Butter Bean Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Stone Flower

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Butter Bean Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Flavors & Stone Flower

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Butter Bean Rice, infused with the unique aroma of kal paasi (stone flower). This isn’t just a rice dish; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, packed with flavour and a little bit of nostalgia. I first made this when I was trying to recreate my grandmother’s cooking, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Butter Bean Rice is special. It’s a delightful blend of textures – fluffy rice, creamy butter beans, and a fragrant, slightly earthy spice blend. The kal paasi adds a distinctive flavour you won’t find in your everyday rice dishes. It’s relatively quick to make (perfect for a weeknight!), and it’s incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce some unique Indian flavours to your kitchen.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup butter beans
• 1.25 cups water
• 1 tbsp oil (plus 1 tsp for drizzling)
• 2 thinly sliced onions
• 4-5 green chilies
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 1 small piece kal paasi (stone flower)
• Few mint leaves
• Few coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp curd | yogurt
• As needed Salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Basmati Rice Selection

Using good quality basmati rice is key. Look for long-grain basmati that’s aged – it cooks up fluffier and has a lovely aroma. I usually go for the Himalayan basmati.

Butter Beans: Varieties & Benefits

Butter beans (also known as lima beans) add a lovely creaminess. You can use fresh or frozen. If using dried, soak them overnight before cooking. They’re also a fantastic source of protein and fibre!

The Unique Flavor of Kal Paasi (Stone Flower)

Kal paasi is a dried flower bud used extensively in South Indian cuisine. It has a unique, earthy, and slightly pungent flavour. It’s what truly sets this rice apart. Don’t skip it if you can find it!

Regional Variations in Spice Levels

Spice levels are totally adjustable! I like a good kick, but feel free to reduce the green chilies if you prefer a milder flavour.

Oil Choices: Traditional vs. Modern

Traditionally, ghee (clarified butter) is used, but any cooking oil works well. I often use sunflower oil for everyday cooking, but a teaspoon of ghee drizzled at the end adds a beautiful richness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Soak the Rice: Start by washing the basmati rice and soaking it in 1.25 cups of water for about 20 minutes. This helps it cook up fluffy.
2. Make the Spice Paste: While the rice soaks, blend the green chilies, coriander leaves, mint leaves, garlic, fennel seeds, and kal paasi into a coarse paste. Don’t add water – we want a thick paste.
3. Sauté the Onions: Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pressure cooker. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt, and sauté until they turn golden brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook the Spice Paste: Add the ground spice paste to the cooker and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This gets rid of the raw smell and releases the flavours.
5. Combine Everything: Now, mix in the yogurt to balance the spice. Add the butter beans and the soaked rice (with the soaking water). Give it a good stir and adjust the salt to taste.
6. Pressure Cook: Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 1 whistle on medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally – this is important!
7. Fluff and Serve: Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. Drizzle with 1 tsp of ghee and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

A few things I’ve learned over the years…

Achieving the Perfect Rice Texture

Soaking the rice is crucial for fluffy results. Also, avoid over-stirring after cooking, as it can make the rice mushy.

Balancing Spice with Yogurt

The yogurt isn’t just for flavour; it helps to temper the heat from the green chilies. Don’t skip it!

Understanding Pressure Cooking Times

Pressure cooking times can vary depending on your cooker. The 1 whistle + 10 minutes simmer works well for me, but adjust as needed.

The Importance of Natural Pressure Release

Letting the pressure release naturally ensures the rice cooks evenly and doesn’t become sticky. Trust me on this one!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Butter Bean Rice

Simply substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Coconut yogurt works beautifully!

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no changes are needed.

Adjusting the Spice Level

My friend, Priya, loves it extra spicy, so she adds a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice paste. Feel free to experiment!

Festival Adaptations (e.g., Janmashtami)

During Janmashtami, my family adds a little bit of grated coconut to the rice for a sweeter, more festive flavour.

Serving Suggestions

This Butter Bean Rice is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with:

• Raita (yogurt dip)
• Cucumber salad
• A simple vegetable curry
• Papadums (Indian crispy wafers)

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is Kal Paasi and where can I find it?
Kal paasi is a dried flower bud used in South Indian cooking. You can find it at Indian grocery stores, or online.

Can I use other beans instead of butter beans?
You can! Cannellini beans or even kidney beans would work, but the texture and flavour will be slightly different.

How do I adjust the recipe for a rice cooker?
Reduce the water slightly (use about 1 cup) and cook according to your rice cooker’s instructions for white rice.

What is the best way to serve this rice to avoid it becoming mushy?
Fluff it gently with a fork after cooking and avoid over-stirring. Serving it immediately is also best.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the spice paste ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. However, it’s best to cook the rice just before serving for the best texture.

Enjoy! I hope you love this Butter Bean Rice as much as my family does. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and how it turns out!