Gooseberry Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Amla Bhat with Sesame Oil

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Gooseberry Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Amla Bhat with Sesame Oil

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s close to my heart – Gooseberry Rice, or Amla Bhat as we call it at home. It’s a vibrant, tangy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s packed with goodness. I remember my grandmother making this during the winter months when fresh gooseberries were in season, and the aroma would fill the entire house. It’s a taste of home, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any rice dish. It’s a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, all coming together in one satisfying bite. It’s relatively quick to make – perfect for a weeknight meal or a festive occasion. Plus, gooseberries are a nutritional powerhouse, making this a delicious and healthy choice. You’ll love how easily this comes together and how much flavour it packs!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Amla Bhat:

• ¼ cup + 2 tbsp gooseberry, finely chopped (about 80g)
• 2 cups cooked rice (about 400g)
• 1 tbsp sesame seed oil (for mixing) – about 15ml
• 1 tbsp sesame seed oil (for seasoning) – about 15ml
• ¾ tsp mustard seeds (about 3g)
• 1 ½ tsp urad dal (split black lentils) (about 6g)
• 1 tsp Bengal gram (chana dal) (about 4g)
• 2 red chillies
• 1 green chilli, slit
• ½ inch ginger, finely chopped
• A generous pinch of turmeric powder (about ¼ tsp)
• A generous pinch of asafoetida (hing) (about ⅛ tsp)
• Few curry leaves (about 8-10)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will really elevate your Amla Bhat.

Gooseberries (Amla): Nutritional Benefits & Selection

Gooseberries, or Amla, are seriously good for you! They’re loaded with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. When choosing gooseberries, look for firm, bright green ones. They can be quite tart, so don’t be shy with the salt to balance the flavors.

Rice Varieties: Choosing the Right Grain for Amla Bhat

I prefer using a medium-grain rice like Sona Masoori for this recipe. It holds its shape well and absorbs the flavors beautifully. Basmati rice works too, but it tends to be a bit more delicate. Avoid using sticky rice varieties.

Sesame Oil: The Key to Authentic Flavor

Trust me on this one – sesame oil is essential for that authentic Amla Bhat flavor. It adds a nutty aroma and depth that you just won’t get with other oils. Don’t skip it!

Mustard Seeds, Dals & Hing: Understanding the Tempering

The tempering (or tadka) is where all the magic happens. Mustard seeds add a lovely pop, while the dals provide a nutty crunch. Asafoetida (hing) adds a unique savory note and aids digestion.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse and finely chop your gooseberries, discarding any seeds. This can be a little fiddly, but it’s worth it!
2. Cook your rice until the grains are separate and fluffy. Once cooked, mix in 1 tsp of sesame oil and spread it out on a plate to cool. This prevents it from clumping.
3. Heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter – you’ll know they’re ready when they start to pop!
4. Now, add the chana dal, urad dal, and red chillies. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
5. Stir in the slit green chilli, chopped ginger, curry leaves, and turmeric powder. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add the chopped gooseberries and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the gooseberries soften slightly.
7. Gently fold in the cooled rice, making sure everything is well combined. Adjust the salt to your liking.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

Achieving the Perfect Tempering

Don’t rush the tempering! Low and slow is the key to unlocking all those wonderful flavors. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the mustard seeds, or they won’t splutter.

Preventing Sticky Rice

Cooling the rice and mixing it with sesame oil is crucial for preventing it from becoming sticky. You want each grain to be distinct.

Balancing the Tanginess of Gooseberries

Gooseberries can be quite tart, so don’t be afraid to adjust the salt to your taste. A little extra salt can really balance the flavors.

Variations

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

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is naturally vegan! Just double-check your asafoetida (hing) as some brands may contain wheat.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy)

Adjust the number of red chillies to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the chillies.

Festival Adaptation (Makar Sankranti/Pongal)

This dish is often made during Makar Sankranti and Pongal festivals in India. You can add a handful of peanuts to the tempering for extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Amla Bhat is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments. I love serving it with:

• Papad
• Potato chips
• A side of yogurt or raita
• A simple dal or curry

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What is the best type of rice to use for Amla Bhat?

Medium-grain rice like Sona Masoori is ideal. Basmati works too, but be gentle with it!

Can I use amla paste instead of chopped gooseberries?

You can, but the texture won’t be quite the same. If using amla paste, use about 2-3 tablespoons.

How can I reduce the sourness of the gooseberries?

Add a pinch of sugar or jaggery to balance the flavors.

What are the health benefits of eating gooseberry rice?

Gooseberries are packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making this a very healthy dish!

Can this be made ahead of time? How long will it keep?

You can prepare the tempering and chop the gooseberries ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the dish just before serving. Leftovers will keep for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Enjoy making this delicious and authentic Amla Bhat! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy cooking!