Narali bhath recipe - Sweet coconut rice

Narali bhath is a traditional sweet coconut rice of Maharashtra usually prepared during the occasion of Narali purnima festival. This festival falls on full moon day of Shravan month, the fifth month of Hindu calendar. Celebration of Raksha Bandhan and wearing holy thread called Janivar (Janva) also falls  on this day. 

Narali bhath is usually made with basmati rice, coconut, ghee and jaggery. Any other rice can also be used in place of basmati rice but basmati rice enriches the flavour. The flavour of this dish can also be enhanced by adding spices such as cloves (lavang) and green cardamom powder. To make it more rich you can also add dry fruits such as cashew nuts, raisins and almonds.

Narali Bhath Recipe - Sweet Coconut Rice Recipe

Prep time : 10 mins 
Cook time : 20 mins
Total time : 30 mins
Recipe type : Sweet Dish
Cuisine : Maharashtrian
Yield : Serves 5 - 6
Author : Vidya Chandrahas

Ingredients 

• 1½ cups basmati rice
• 2 cups jaggery powder
• 2 cups grated fresh coconut (1 coconut)
• 4 cloves / lavang
• 10 cardamoms, powdered
• Fistful of cashew nuts and raisins, fried
• 1/4 cup ghee

Method

1. In a heavy bottomed vessel, heat 2 tbsp of ghee and add 4 cloves / lavang to it. 
2. Add 1½ cup of washed basmati rice and saute nicely for 2 minutes. Add 3 cups of water to it. 
3. Pour some water in the pressure cooker. Place this vessel in the pressure cooker. Take 2 whistles and switch off the flame. 
4. When the pressure releases remove the rice container and keep it aside.
5. In the meantime, mix together the jaggery and grated fresh coconut in a pan.
6. Place this pan on a low flame and stir continuously till the jaggery melts.
7. When the jaggery melts, immediately add the cooked rice. Stir continuously till the rice and jaggery mixture thickens. 
8. When the rice mixture thickens, add the remaining ghee and  mix well. Stir for a minute and switch off the flame.
9. Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
10. While serving garnish the narali bhath with some fried cashew nuts and raisins. 
11. Serve hot or cold. Either way it tastes great.