JFI--Phodnicha Bhaat

Rice -- the mere mention of it comforts me. When I was in India, I used to have rice twice a day and would not mind if there were no chapatis. But after coming here, I realized that eating so much rice did not quite agree with my body (read figure :)), and so with a lot of efforts, I reduced my intake of rice, especially White Rice. And yet, I still feel that hot rice with a dollop of homemade Tup (ghee) and salt is the ultimate comfort food! Try it if you have never tried it before, you will not regret it even one bit :). Luckily, these days, we are getting Ambemohar rice in our grocery store, which is a very aromatic and flavorful rice. Generally, this variety is also best suited for Varan- Bhaat (Plain dal with rice) and the combination is simply out of this world!!!
Having said that, sometimes I end up with leftover rice and am at a loss of ideas to finish it and not let it go waste. I also don't want to go with the usual options of curd-rice, fried rice, pulav, dal-rice (I know I am picky ;))...so what do I do? Well, I turn to this simple and quick Maharashtrian recipe of jazzing up the rice which can be served as breakfast/brunch, lunch or dinner. With some yogurt and pickle on the side, you have a delicious lip-smacking one dish meal within minutes.
This is my entry for JFI - Rice which is hosted by Sharmi of 'Neivedyam'.

Ingredients:(serves 2)
1 cup cooked rice (I have used Basmati, but you can use any variety)
1/2 an onion chopped lengthwise
2-3 Dried red Chillies
2 tsp Roasted peanuts (optional)
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp Mohri (Mustard seeds)
1/2 tsp Jeere (Cumin seeds)
1/4 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
1/2 tsp Halad (Turmeric)
1 tbsp Oil
Chopped Cilantro to garnish

Method:
In a kadhai, heat the oil. Add the mohri and once it begins to pop, add the jeere. Once the jeera starts sizzling, add hing and halad. Next add the onions and fry till they turn translucent. Then add the dried red chillies and fry for a minute. At this point, throw in the peanuts if using. Finally add the rice, cayenne pepper and salt and mix well. Cover and let cook for a minute or so. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
Here is a closer look,