### Mavinakayi Chitranna Recipe: A Karnataka Style Raw Mango Rice Dish
Mavinakayi chitranna, a scrumptious raw mango rice dish hailing from Karnataka, is renowned for its distinct combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. This dish exemplifies South Indian cuisine, highlighting the lively and sour taste of raw mangoes, making it an essential choice for anyone eager to delve into traditional Indian recipes.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Rice:**
– 450-500 grams of uncooked rice
– Water (for cooking rice)
– **For the Gojju (Gravy):**
– 1 medium-sized raw green mango, grated
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil (or any cooking oil)
– 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 2 tablespoons chana dal (split chickpeas)
– 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
– 2-3 dried red chilies
– 1-2 green chilies (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt (to taste)
– 1-2 tablespoons jaggery (adjust to taste)
– **For Chitranna Masala Powder:**
– 1 tablespoon chana dal
– 1 tablespoon urad dal
– 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2-3 dried red chilies
– 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Rice:**
– Wash the rice well under running water until it is clear.
– Cook the rice in a pot or rice cooker with sufficient water until tender but each grain stays separate. Let it cool.
2. **Make the Chitranna Masala Powder:**
– In a pan, dry roast each ingredient for the masala powder individually on low-medium heat until aromatic. Take care not to burn them.
– After roasting, let them cool and grind into a fine powder. Set aside.
3. **Prepare the Gojju:**
– In a pan, heat the sesame oil. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
– Add chana dal, urad dal, dried red chilies, and green chilies. Sauté until the dals turn golden.
– Incorporate the grated raw mango, turmeric powder, salt, and jaggery. Mix well and cook until the mango softens and the oil separates from the mixture.
– Stir in the prepared chitranna masala powder and mix well. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes.
4. **Combine Rice and Gojju:**
– In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice with the gojju mixture. Blend gently to ensure the rice is well-coated with the gojju.
5. **Serving Suggestions:**
– Let the chitranna rest for a couple of hours for the flavors to develop. Serve with yogurt, papad, or appadam for a complete meal.
#### Nutritional Benefits
Mavinakayi chitranna is not just flavorful but also full of nutrients. Raw mangoes provide a wealth of vitamins A and C, while the spices used offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects. This dish is ideal for lunch boxes or as a travel meal, delivering comfort and nutrition.
#### Conclusion
Mavinakayi chitranna is a beloved dish that captures the spirit of Karnataka’s culinary tradition. With its lively flavors and wholesome ingredients, it is bound to become a favorite in your household as well. Relish this delectable raw mango rice dish and savor the delightful taste of Karnataka!