Recipe Type: Festive / Main Course
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Why Basanti Pulao for Raksha Bandhan?
In Bengal, Basanti Pulao (also known as Mishti Pulao) is a go-to festive dish-golden yellow, mildly sweet, and rich in ghee and dry fruits. For a celebration like Raksha Bandhan, this pulao is a perfect way to honour the sweet sibling bond.
Using Pragati Gobindobhog Rice elevates this dish with its natural aroma, soft texture, and regional authenticity.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Gobindobhog Rice (Pragati Rice) – 1.5 cups (soaked for 15-20 minutes)
- Ghee – 4 tbsp
- Bay leaves – 2
- Cloves – 4
- Green cardamom – 4
- Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
- Cashew nuts – 10-12
- Raisins – 10-12
- Sugar – 2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Salt – to taste
- Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
- Warm water – 3 cups
- Saffron strands (optional) – soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Wash and Soak Rice
Rinse Gobindobhog rice gently 2-3 times and soak for 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Flavour Base
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee.
Add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Let the spices release their aroma.
Step 3: Fry Dry Fruits
Add cashews and raisins. Fry till cashews are golden and raisins puff up. Remove and keep aside for garnish.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Add the soaked rice into the ghee-spice mixture. Sauté gently for 2-3 minutes without breaking the grains.
Add turmeric, sugar, salt, and warm water. Mix gently.
Add saffron milk if using.
Step 5: Cover & Cook
Cover with a tight lid and cook on low flame for about 15-18 minutes, or until water is fully absorbed and rice is soft.
Step 6: Rest & Garnish
Turn off the flame and let the pulao rest for 5-7 minutes.
Fluff gently with a fork. Garnish with fried cashews and raisins.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Basanti Pulao hot with:
- Bengali-style Aloor Dom (Dry or gravy)
- Rich Paneer Curry
- Traditional Kosha Mangsho (if serving non-veg)
- It’s the perfect combination of festive flavour and emotional warmth!
Why Use Pragati Gobindobhog Rice?
- Naturally aromatic & soft-grained
- Cooks faster than basmati
- Perfect for festive Bengali dishes
- Locally sourced & premium quality
Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with Flavour & Tradition
A sibling’s love is sweet, comforting, and timeless-just like a plate of Gobindobhog Basanti Pulao. This Raksha Bandhan, celebrate your bond with a dish that’s rooted in Bengal’s heritage and made with the finest Pragati Gobindobhog Rice.
