Malvani Rice Recipe – Cashew & Peanut Spiced Indian Rice

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Malvani Rice Recipe – Cashew & Peanut Spiced Indian Rice

Introduction

Oh, this Malvani Rice! It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of the spices, the crunch of the nuts… it’s pure comfort food. I first made this when I was craving something flavorful but easy, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s a little taste of the Konkan coast, right in your kitchen! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Malvani Rice is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It’s subtly spicy, wonderfully aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it comes together in under 15 minutes! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful Indian meal without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how the cashews and peanuts add a lovely crunch, and the Malvani masala brings a unique depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Malvani Rice:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 onion
• 2 tbsp cashews
• 2 tbsp peanuts
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 0.25 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 2 green chilies
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Malvani masala
• 2 tbsp cilantro (coriander leaves)
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best flavor!

• Cooked Rice: Type and Texture – I prefer using long-grain basmati rice for this recipe, as it stays fluffy and doesn’t get mushy. Day-old rice works wonderfully too! About 300-350g of cooked rice is ideal.
• Malvani Masala: Origin and Flavor Profile – Malvani masala is a special spice blend from the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It’s known for its fiery red color and complex flavor, featuring a blend of dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, and more. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.
• Cashews & Peanuts: Regional Significance & Substitutions – Cashews and peanuts are commonly used in Malvani cuisine, adding a lovely texture and richness. If you have a nut allergy, you can omit them or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
• Asafoetida (Hing): Benefits and Usage – Asafoetida, or hing, has a pungent aroma in its raw form, but it transforms into a savory, umami-rich flavor when cooked. It’s fantastic for digestion and adds a unique depth to Indian dishes. A little goes a long way!
• Oil: Recommended Types for Authentic Flavor – Traditionally, coconut oil is used in Malvani cooking, which adds a beautiful aroma. However, you can also use vegetable oil or sunflower oil if you prefer.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. Listen carefully – they’ll start to splutter! This is a good sign; it means the flavors are releasing.
2. Now, add the minced garlic, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Fry for a minute or so, until the garlic turns a lovely golden color and smells fragrant.
3. Toss in the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent and softened.
4. Add the cashews and peanuts. Cook for about a minute, just to lightly roast them. Keep an eye on them – you don’t want them to burn!
5. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and Malvani masala. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to release all those wonderful aromas.
6. Gently fold in the cooked rice, making sure every grain is coated with the spice mixture.
7. Season with salt to taste and garnish with the chopped cilantro. Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve warm with lemon wedges or a sprinkle of grated coconut.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you’re making a large batch, work in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and spice levels to your liking.
• For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of grated coconut while cooking the rice.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of green chilies or Malvani masala. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegetarian! To make it vegan, ensure your Malvani masala doesn’t contain any animal-derived ingredients (some blends might).
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Festival Adaptations (e.g., Ganesh Chaturthi): This rice makes a wonderful offering during Ganesh Chaturthi. You can add a touch of jaggery for a slightly sweet flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Malvani Rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• A simple raita (yogurt dip)
• Dal (lentil soup)
• 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.

FAQs

• What is Malvani cuisine known for? Malvani cuisine is known for its bold flavors, use of coconut, and fresh seafood. It’s a regional cuisine from the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, India.
• Can I make this rice ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just reheat it gently before serving.
• What can I substitute for asafoetida? If you can’t find asafoetida, you can omit it, but it does add a unique flavor. A pinch of garlic powder can offer a similar savory note.
• What type of rice is best for this recipe? Long-grain basmati rice is ideal, but you can also use other types of rice like jasmine rice.
• How can I adjust the heat level of this dish? Adjust the amount of green chilies and Malvani masala to control the spice level.
• Where can I find Malvani Masala? You can find Malvani masala at Indian grocery stores or online retailers.
• Can I use pre-roasted cashews and peanuts? Yes, you can! Just add them towards the end of the cooking process to warm them through.