Jai Shree Krishna!
On the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, we worship Goddess Saraswati and offer yellow-colored dishes as a part of the bhog. One such traditional offering is Pile Meethe Chawal – a fragrant and mildly sweet yellow rice infused with saffron, ghee, and dry fruits.
Also known as Kesariya Bhat, this dish not only adds color to your plate but also warmth to your heart. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for festive occasions or as a special treat on any religious day. Let’s make this flavorful, devotional dish in a few easy steps.
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Ingredients
- Basmati rice – ½ cup
- Water – 2 cups
- Turmeric powder – 1/8 tsp (for natural yellow color)
- Ghee (clarified butter) – 1½ tsp
- Green cardamoms – 3
- Cloves – 2
- Cinnamon stick – a small piece
- Chopped cashews, almonds, and chironji – 1 tbsp
- Raisins – 10
- Grated dried coconut – 1 tsp
- Saffron strands – 15 (soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk)
- Sugar – 1/3 cup
Method
- Firstly take 1/2 cup of basmai rice. Rinse rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- After soaking, drain the water completely.
- In a deep pan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 green cardamom, ½ tsp ghee, 1/8 tsp turmeric powder (for natural yellow color)
- Once the water is boiling, add the soaked rice.
- Cook the rice till it’s 90% done – soft but with a slight bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once done drain the rice and set it aside.
- Now, heat a pan, add ghee – 1 tbsp. Then add 2 green cardamoms, 2 cloves, a small piece of cinnamon stick.
- Sauté for a few seconds till aromatic.
- Now add the chopped cashews, almonds, and chironji. Lightly fry until golden.
- Then add raisins and grated dry coconut. Stir for a few seconds.
- Next add 1/3 cup sugar to the fried dry fruits and stir lightly.
- As the sugar starts to melt slightly, add the partially cooked yellow rice. Pour in the soaked saffron milk.
- Gently mix everything, taking care not to break the rice grains.
- Cover with a lid and let the rice cook on low flame for 5–6 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let it sit for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Serve Pile Meethe Chawal warm as a festive sweet dish, especially during Basant Panchami, Pujas and rituals, Special family gatherings. You can even offer it as bhog or simply enjoy it with some spicy curry to balance the sweetness.
This simple yet divine recipe for Kesariya Pulao or Pile Meethe Chawal is a beautiful way to celebrate the joy of festivals. Whether you’re offering it during Basant Panchami or enjoying it on a quiet weekend, its delicate sweetness and warm aroma will always leave you smiling.
Until next time, stay blessed, eat homemade, and take care of your health!
Tips & Tricks
- Natural coloring: Turmeric gives a beautiful golden hue without artificial colors. Saffron adds aroma and depth but doesn’t provide enough yellow on its own.
- Dry fruits: You can customize the quantity or type of dry fruits as per your preference. Pistachios and walnuts can also be added.
- Rice texture: Do not overcook the rice initially. Keeping it 90% done ensures it doesn’t get mushy after the final steam.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar depending on your taste or the sweetness of the saffron you use.
