Traditional Nepalese Chura Recipe: A Guide to Making Beaten Rice at Home

Ingredients

2 Cups of flattened rice (chura)
1 Cup of milk
4 Tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 Cup of sugar
1/2 Teaspoon of cardamom powder
1/4 Cup of chopped dried fruits (almonds, raisins)
1 Tablespoon of fennel seeds
1/2 Teaspoon of ground black pepper
A pinch of salt

Steps and instructions

Start by rinsing the flattened rice (chura) under running water until it turns soft. Drain out the water and set it aside.
Heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the fennel seeds and let them crackle.
Add the chopped dried fruits to the pan and sauté until they turn slightly golden.
Add the softened chura to the pan and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes on a medium flame, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
In a separate pot, bring the milk to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the sugar, stirring until it completely dissolves.
Pour the hot milk over the chura mixture, add a pinch of salt, and stir. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chura absorbs most of the milk.
Add the cardamom powder and ground black pepper, mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the chura sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together.
Serve warm and enjoy.

Tools for making

Pan - A medium-sized pan for sautéing the ingredients and cooking the chura.
Pot - A pot to bring the milk to a boil and prepare the milk mixture.
Spatula - A spatula or a wooden spoon for stirring and mixing the chura.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
Knife - A knife for chopping the dried fruits.
Cutting Board - A cutting board to chop the dried fruits.

Recipe variations

Replace the milk with coconut milk for a creamy and tropical twist.
Add a handful of grated coconut to the chura mixture for extra texture and flavor.
For a healthier option, use jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) instead of regular sugar.
Include a teaspoon of rose water or kewra essence for a fragrant floral note.
Add a pinch of saffron strands to the milk for a beautiful yellow color and aromatic taste.
Sprinkle some crushed pistachios or cashews on top for added crunch.
For a savory version, skip the sugar and add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves while sautéing the dried fruits.
Experiment with different dried fruits like dates, figs, or apricots.
Include some freshly grated ginger for a subtle warmth and spice.
Add a teaspoon of gulkand (rose petal jam) to the chura mixture for a unique and delightful flavor.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our recipe for Chura, a popular and traditional dish from the Indian subcontinent. This recipe is both delicious and nourishing, making it a perfect breakfast or snack that you can enjoy at any time of the day. The main ingredient is flattened rice (chura), which is sautéed in ghee with dried fruits and then simmered in sweetened milk. The dish is finished with aromatic spices like cardamom and fennel seeds to give it a unique and irresistible flavor. It's a simple recipe that doesn't require a lot of time or complex ingredients, making it perfect for those busy mornings or when you need a quick and satisfying dish. Enjoy the process and the delightful end result!

Common questions

Can I use regular rice instead of flattened rice (chura)? No, chura is a specific type of flattened rice that has a unique texture and taste. Regular rice will not give you the same results in this recipe.
Can I use any type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer - whether it's whole milk, skim milk, or even plant-based milk like almond milk or soy milk.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. However, keep in mind that sugar adds sweetness and balances the flavors in this recipe.
Can I add more dried fruits? Absolutely! Feel free to add more dried fruits or even experiment with different types based on your preferences. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces.
Can I skip the fennel seeds? Yes, if you don't have fennel seeds or don't enjoy their flavor, you can omit them. They add a subtle aromatic touch to the dish, but it will still taste delicious without them.
Can I store leftovers? Yes, you can store any leftover chura in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A medium-sized bowl to mix the ingredients together.
Pan - A non-stick pan or skillet to cook the chura mixture.
Pot - A pot to boil the milk.
Spatula - A utensil with a flat, narrow blade to stir and mix the chura while cooking.
Cover/Lid - A lid to cover the pan while simmering the chura.
Measuring Cups - Cups to accurately measure the ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Spoons to accurately measure the spices.
Serving Bowl - A bowl to serve the chura.
Spoons - Utensils to serve the chura.

Origin stories

Chura, or flattened rice, is a traditional Indian dish that is enjoyed in various forms across the country. Its origins trace back to the Indian subcontinent where it is often used for religious ceremonies and as a staple food in many households. There's a charming legend that revolves around Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor friend. Sudama, in great debt but too proud to ask for help, decided to visit Krishna. With nothing to offer but a small bag of chura, Sudama felt embarrassed but was warmly welcomed. Krishna, delighted with the humble offering of chura, showered Sudama with blessings and wealth. This tale emphasizes the simplicity and the humility embodied in the dish, making it not just a part of the culinary culture, but also deeply rooted in the spiritual landscape of India.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.