I make sama rice in an instant pot, however you can use pressure cooker for this recipe. During nine days of Navratri, fasting meals can get pretty repetitive. I try to something different and make sure that we are not eating the same things everyday. During hindu fasting, alternative grains and seeds are popularly consumed and sama ke chawal is a great swap for basmati rice. I call it sama khichdi often becaue of its runny consistency. Whatever you choose to call it, this pulao gets ready quickly and you can serve it with a bowl of plain yogurt and crunchy vegetables like cucumber or tomatoes. You can also make vrat ki aloo sabji or kuttu ke pakore as a crispy side to serve along with it.
What is Samo Rice
Samo rice is a tiny, round and pale white grain popular in india as grain fit for consumption during fasting days. It belongs to the millet family. It is starchy and after cooking becomes chewy and soft similar to white rice. Also called moraiyo, samvat chawal or upvas chawal in different parts of India, it is dense in carbohydrates making it suitable for fasting days. It is gluten free, has a mild nutty, taste and not just on fasting days, it can be included in your everyday meals. During fasting periods of Navratri, my grandmother used to prepare various dishes using samo rice, including daliya (porridge), khichdi, and kheer (pudding). The taste of samo rice is pretty similar to basmati rice, it can be cooked to various consistencies and beautifully absorbs the flavors that we add.
Ingredients
Samo Rice / Sama Ke Chawal - These millets are easily available in indian grocery stores or online. They have a long shelf life and if stored properly, a packet will last you months. Potatoes - I use russet potatoes. Cut the potato into large cubes so that it doesn’t disintegrate while cooking. Vegetables - I use carrots, green beans and green peas. You could also add lauki (opo squash) or zucchini. Please choose vegetables as per what’s eaten in your family on fasting days. Ghee - I prefer cooking vrat ka khana in ghee. You could use any cooking oil you like. Sendha Namak - Or Indian rock salt is eaten on fasting days in our home as well as commonly in north india. Easily available in indian grocery stores. Other Ingredients - Cumin Seeds, Green chillies, cilantro, lemon juice
Make Sama Rice Pulao
Recipe Tips
Don’t cook samo rice without soaking. They won’t cook soft. You can adjust the amount of green chilies depending on how spicy you prefer. You can also add some chopped ginger for warmth and crushed black pepper for extra spice. Cut all the vegetables slightly large so that they don’t overcook & distingrate during pressure cooking. Cashews and peanuts add a nice crunch to this pulao. If you want to add them, roast them separately and add to the pulao. I dont prefer a dry consistency pulao, rather I like it like soft and runny like khichdi. Please adjust water quanity depending on how you like. Lastly, it is natural for the pulao to get thick as it cools down. It is best to serve it right away. If you have leftovers, you could thin it out with little water while reheating.
