Krishna Bhog: Russian Rice Plov, Pilaf, Pulao, Vegetarian Russian Recipe for Sri Krishna’s Bhog and Prasad
Recipe: Russian Rice Pilaf (Plov)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons butter or clarified butter
- 1 carrot, finely grated
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the grated carrot and diced bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the butter and vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Sprinkle the ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, and bay leaf over the rice mixture. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Once the rice is cooked, remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve the Russian rice pilaf hot to Sri Radha Shyam Sundar!
Russian Rice Plov, Pilaf or Pulao is a flavourful and aromatic dish commonly enjoyed in Russia, Central Asia and India. It is a one-pot rice dish cooked with vegetables and spices, resulting in a satisfying and hearty meal. You can serve it alongside yogurt, raita, papad, chutney or a fresh salad. It is very similar to Khichri Bhog offered to Sri Radha Vallabh ji in the month long Khichri Utsav in January in Vrindavan, India.
Enjoy your prasad meal!
Hare Krishna! Jai Sri Radhe!