Chandigarh, February 17 : You may not be having sleepless nights over the pot of leftover rice sitting in your fridge. But did you know that with just a few kitchen staples you can whip it into the most delectable and comforting weekend cheat meal.
Note: This recipe also works great for rice you may have accidentally overboiled.
Bhaat bhajiya
Ingredients: leftover rice, curd, salt to taste, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, hing, baking soda – a pinch, chopped coriander leaves, chopped onions (optional), oil for frying
Method: This recipe is all about getting the consistency right so that your bhajiyas can be fried off effortlessly, without any oil splutters from the moisture in the 2 key ingredients – rice and curd. It is worth mentioning that using leftover rice in particular is strongly suggested as the grains are more likely to retain their structure, something which will also be true for the bhajiyas.
The method here is super simple. You are just expected to mix all the ingredients together, going as heavy or light on the spices and salt as you desire. The coriander adds a pop of colour while the onions add a hint of flavour and some variation in texture. One thing you do need to be careful about however, is the curd. The curd here is simply being used as a source of moisture and a binding agent, allowing the spices and salt to coat the rice grains properly. Going overboard with the curd will leave you with a soggy mixture, rather tough to fry.
Summary: Instead of reheating leftover rice, try making Bhaat Bhajiya—crispy fritters combining rice with chickpea flour, yogurt, and spices. This quick and easy recipe offers a delicious way to reduce food waste.