When In Arunachal Pradesh, Eat Your Way Through Cheesy Kharzi Rice, A Fusion Dish Of Flavours

In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes can captivate the senses and tantalise the taste buds quite like the beloved cheesy Kharzi rice. With its irresistible blend of aromatic spices, fragrant rice, and indulgent cheese, this dish is a true fusion masterpiece.  This rice has become a staple for food enthusiasts seeking a satisfying and comforting meal.

Culinary Delights From Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is home to various indigenous tribes, each with its own distinct culinary traditions. The state’s cuisine is heavily influenced by its geographical location, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and sharing borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. The result is a diverse range of flavours, incorporating elements from different cultures and ethnicities.

Among its many culinary delights, Cheesy Kharzi Rice stands out as a unique fusion dish that beautifully combines local ingredients with a cheesy twist. With its enticing blend of flavours and textures, this dish showcases the creativity and innovation of Arunachali cuisine.

Each tribe of the state has different specialities with wild herbs and foraged greens adding to each area’s signature dishes. For the Monpa tribe of the Tawang district, it is one of the most beloved dishes.

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How To Prepare Cheesy Kharzi Rice

Cheesy Kharzi Rice takes inspiration from the traditional dish called Kharzi, which is a flavorful rice preparation enjoyed by the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Kharzi typically consists of aromatic rice cooked with local herbs, spices, and meat, such as pork or chicken. However, the cheesy adaptation adds a modern twist to this traditional delight.

It is typically made by steaming rice over hot coals in a hollow bamboo shoot steamer. The traditional components are a paste of dried red king chillies, libichura (fermented soybean cheese), chhurpi (Yak cheese), garlic, and oil/water, and each group of the tribe has a somewhat different variety. This paste is then combined with rice and maan ka patta, a local kind of onion or chive, and served hot. Moreover, the final result is a tantalising fusion of flavours.

Here’s the recipe to cook Kharzi rice

Ingredients

• Basmati rice – 1 cup
• 1 onion
• 1 tomato
• Mozzarella cheese – 50 grams
• 1-inch piece ginger
• Cloves garlic – 6-7
• Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
• 2 spring onions
• Ghee – 2 teaspoon
• Salt to taste

Method

• The rice must be soaked for about 30 minutes.
• Now, cook the rice with salt until tender.
• Meanwhile, grind the ginger, garlic, chilli powder tomato and cheese together into a smooth paste.
• Now, heat some ghee in a large pot and add some chopped onions.
• Fry till slightly golden and then add the cheese paste and lower the heat.
• Cook until it’s a thick paste and the ghee separates.
• Garnish with spring onions and serve with yoghurt or raita.

So, the next time you find yourself craving a unique fusion dish, venture into the flavours of Arunachal Pradesh and savour the delightful Cheesy Kharzi Rice.