BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER GHEE RICE (Navratri Special)

Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day. She is the third form of Goddess Durga. She adorns her forehead with a half-moon that looks like a bell. The colour for the third day of Navratri is Royal Blue. This vivid shade of blue represents richness and tranquillity.

So prepared this beautiful looking Ghee Rice infused with butterfly pea flower water. Bluebellvine flower or Butterfly pea flower is also known by several other names Aparajita, Gokarna, Shankjpushpi and many more and is popular for its various health benefits.

Happy to post it, as it's from my home-grown plant🌿🌱.

Ingredients:

· Butterfly Pea Flowers (fresh/dried) – 22-25

· Water – 1 cup

· Basmati Rice – ½ cup

· Ghee – 1.5 tbsp

· Cumin seeds – ¾ tsp

· Cloves – 3-4

· Cardamom pods – 1-2

· Star Anise – 1

· Cinnamon sticks – 1 inch

· Mace flower - 1

· Peppercorns – 4-5 nos.

· Bay Leaf - 1

· Salt to taste

· Fried Cashewnuts & Raisins – 1.5 tbsp

Method:

· Take a saucepan, add one cup water and bring it to a boil.

· You can add the butterfly pea flowers into the boiling water.

· Simmer it on a medium flame for 3-4 minutes.

· Turn off the flame. Strain the water and keep it aside.

· Wash and soak the basmati rice for ½ an hour.

· Now take a sauce pan boil the butterfly pea water. Now add the soaked and drained rice, add little ghee. Let it boil.

· Once it boils, cover it and let the rice cook on low flame for 8-10 mins. Turn off the flame and let the rice rest.

· After 5 mins use a fork to loosen the rice. Let it cool completely.

· Now take a pan, add ghee and all the spices. Once aromatic add the cooled rice and salt, mix it gently for 3-4 mins.

· Turn off the flame and add the fried cashewnuts and raisins.

· Butterfly Pea Flower Ghee Rice is ready to be served.