Tahar (yellow rice)
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Rice cooked with turmeric, mustard oil and salt, offered as a blessing on birthdays and auspicious days in Kashmiri Pandit homes.
Region: Kashmir valleyOccasion: Birthdays (zarmun dyun), auspicious days and offerings at shrinesTime: 30 minServes: 4Vegan
Ingredients
- 1½ cups rice, washed and soaked 20 minutes
- 2 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 cups water
Method
- Bring the water to a boil with the salt and turmeric.
- Add the drained rice and cook until done and the water is absorbed.
- Heat the mustard oil until it smokes lightly and let it cool slightly.
- Pour the oil over the rice and mix gently so every grain is yellow and glossy.
- Serve warm, first as an offering and then to the family and neighbours.
History
Yellow is an auspicious colour in Hindu ritual, and turmeric rice is one of the simplest offerings in Kashmiri Pandit tradition.
Significance
Tahar is cooked on birthdays and other happy occasions and shared with neighbours, and is also offered to deities on auspicious days.