East-to-Make Recipe of Prayagraj Ki Tehri: A Culinary Heritage Dish of Prayagraj

Among the countless culinary wonders that grace this city, one dish stands out for its unique flavors and comforting appeal - Prayagraj Ki Tehri.

The Origin Story

Prayagraj Ki Tehri finds its roots in the Awadhi cuisine, flourishing during the Mughal era in northern India. The Nawabs of Awadh were renowned for their love of art, culture, and, above all, food. Their culinary traditions blended an array of spices with rich ingredients, resulting in aromatic and delectable dishes.

Over time, Prayagraj embraced these culinary influences, adapting them to the local palate. Today, Tehri remains a beloved dish, representing the confluence of cultures that have shaped the city's identity.

The Culinary Symphony

Prayagraj Ki Tehri is a vegetable pulao that boasts an enticing aroma and a symphony of flavors. A melange of long-grain Basmati rice, carefully selected vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, cauliflower, and beans, blend harmoniously to create a sumptuous meal.

The Spice Alchemy

The magic of Prayagraj Ki Tehri lies in its masterful use of spices. A blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, and more creates an enticing aroma that evokes warmth and nostalgia while infusing the rice and vegetables with their distinct flavors.

Easy-to-Make Prayagraj Ki Tehri Recipe

Prepared with the "dum" cooking technique, Prayagraj Ki Tehri involves layering the rice and vegetables in a pot and slow-cooking them on low heat. This method allows the flavors to intermingle, resulting in a dish that is not only delicious but also wholesome.

Ingredients

• 1 pot Basmati rice
• 1 large peeled and diced potato
• 1 medium peeled and diced carrot
• 1/2 cup fresh green peas
• 1/2 cup florets cauliflower
• 1/4 cup chopped green beans
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 to 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds
• 4-5 black peppercorns, whole
• 2-3 cardamom pods, green
• 1 cinnamon stick, 1 inch
• 2 to 3 cloves
• one bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• Add red chilli powder according to your taste.
• 1 tsp. garam masala
• Season with salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves

Instructions for Prayagraj Ki Tehri

1. Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and bay leaf. Add the spice mixture to the heated oil and cook for about a minute, or until the spices release their aroma.
4. Stir the sliced onions into the pot and cook until they turn golden brown.
5. Add the diced potatoes, carrots, green peas, cauliflower florets, and chopped green beans to the pot. Stir the vegetables for a few minutes to coat them evenly with the spices.
6. In the same mixing bowl used for the spices, mix turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Ensure the vegetables are well coated with this spice blend.
7. Now, gently mix the soaked and drained Basmati rice with the spiced vegetables in the pot.
8. Pour in 2 cups of water, leaving about an inch of space above the rice and vegetables. If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 10-12 minutes on medium-low heat until the rice is tender.
9. If using a regular pot, cover it tightly with a fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the Tehri simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water has been absorbed.
10. Once the rice is done, remove the pot from the heat and set it aside for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
11. Before serving, garnish the Prayagraj Ki Tehri with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
12. Serve the Tehri hot with raita (yogurt dip) or your favorite chutney. This aromatic and flavorful dish is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy the authentic flavor of Prayagraj in the comfort of your own home.

A Melting Pot of Flavors

Prayagraj Ki Tehri goes beyond being just a rice dish; it represents the diverse cultural heritage of the city. Its harmonious blend of spices symbolizes the amalgamation of various communities, religions, and traditions that have coexisted in Prayagraj for centuries.