Alambi Bhath / Mushroom Rice with Malvani Green Masala

Mushrooms and rice cooked in masala with coconut, cilantro and spices !

 

    

    Alambi means mushroom and this is a typical Malvani Green Masala (Hirwa Masala). This masala can be used to prepare other types of rice like Masala Bhath, Kolambi bhath (prawns rice) and also for chicken curry. Back home, we use to only get the mushrooms during the July - August months, when they are naturally grown and available in the markets. So whenever we got the mushrooms, we sure made different kinds of recipes and this is one of them !

    The typical green malvani masala is used in the recipe. Always make sure to roast the green chilies is very little oil as this helps in reducing the spiciness and the raw taste of the chilies.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup rice
3 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1 1/2 tbsp oil
salt to taste
2 tsp garam masala OR roast and grind the following
  (1/2 tsp cumins seeds, 1 tsp coriander seeds,1/4 tsp pepper corns,  1/8 tsp caraway seeds, 1/2 bay leaf, 4  cloves, 2 green cardamoms, 1/2” cinnamon)
Grind
  1/4 cup fresh/frozen coconut, slightly roasted (add more if preferred)
  1/2 cup cilantro
  2 – 4  green chilies, slightly roasted
  1 tsp ginger, chopped
  3 tsp garlic, chopped

Preparation Method:
1. Wash and soak the rice for 10 – 15 minutes, drain and keep aside.
2. Grind all ingredients mentioned into a fine paste. Also grind the species to a fine powder if required. (I used freshly ground spices)
3. Heat oil in a deep vessel, add onions and sauté till translucent. Add garam masala.
4. Add mushrooms and sauté, then add rice and saute. Add the masala paste and roast for few minutes.
5. Add enough water(2 1/2 – 3 cups), salt and bring it boil on high heat. Let it simmer. Then keep on low flame and let the rice cook.
6. Once done, remove from heat, serve with lemon, raita on side.

 
Preparation Time: 30 – 40 mins
Serves: 2 – 4

Note: The garam masala spices and the ingredients can also be ground together although the blender here will not be of good help!
Variation: The green masala can be used to other dishes as well!