By Ujjainee Roy
April 9, 2024
North East India offers a treasure trove of regional cuisines which are astonishingly diverse. Assamese, Mizo, Naga and other cuisines from the region boast a number of rice dishes which are healthy and summer-friendly. Here are some of the best north east Indian rice dishes.
The hearty rice dish from Assam made by cooking rice and lentils together with assorted vegetables and spices. The dish is typically seasoned with mustard oil, ginger, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. Bhuna Khichdi is often served with tangy tomato chutney.
Jadoh is a traditional rice dish from Meghalaya, prepared by cooking rice with pork or chicken, onions, garlic, ginger, and a mix of local spices. The dish gets its distinct flavor from the use of indigenous ingredients like black sesame seeds and bay leaves.
Panta Bhaat is a simple yet flavourful rice dish popular in Arunachal Pradesh. It is made by soaking leftover cooked rice in water overnight, allowing it to ferment slightly. The next day, the rice is typically served with various accompaniments such as boiled vegetables, pickles, fried fish, or chutney.
Sticky rice, also known as "bora," is a staple in Nagaland and is often consumed with various meat and vegetable dishes. The rice is steamed in bamboo baskets, imparting it with a distinctive aroma and chewy texture. It is commonly served with spicy meat stews, smoked pork, or fermented soybean dishes.
Panch Phoron Tarkari Bhat is a fragrant rice dish from Mizoram, flavored with the famous Bengali five-spice blend known as "panch phoron." The rice is cooked with mixed vegetables and tempered with panch phoron spices, which typically include fenugreek seeds, nigella seeds, cumin seeds, black mustard seeds etc.
Gundruk Pulao is a traditional rice dish from Sikkim, made with gundruk, which is fermented leafy greens commonly found in the region. The rice is cooked with gundruk, along with spices like turmeric, ginger, garlic, and green chilies, resulting in a tangy and aromatic pulao.
Black rice, also known as forbidden rice, is a special variety of rice cultivated in parts of Northeast India. Black Rice Kheer is a creamy and indulgent dessert made by simmering black rice with milk, sugar, and aromatic spices like cardamom and cinnamon until thick and creamy. It is garnished with chopped nuts and dried fruits.