Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine

45 minutes

650 reads

4.20 from 5 votes

About Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine

Imagine fluffy, spiced chickpea dumplings nestled amongst fragrant grains of coconut rice. This Coconut Gatta Pulao is a delightful fusion of Rajasthani and South Indian flavors, creating a dish that's both comforting and unexpectedly delicious.
Tender gatta are simmered to perfection and then tossed with the aromatic coconut rice, resulting in a symphony of textures and spices. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a special weekend feast.
Elevate this unique pulao by serving it with a dollop of cooling raita or a tangy chutney for a truly satisfying culinary adventure. You'll be transported straight to foodie heaven!
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹499.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep15 minutes
Cook30 minutes
Total45 minutes
Calories239 kcal
Serves4
Served AsDinnerLunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

For the Gatta

For the Coconut Rice

For Garnish

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the gram flour, salt, red chili powder, carom seeds, and milk. Gradually add water until a tight dough forms. Kneading well helps develop gluten, resulting in firmer gatta.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Roll the dough into a large log about 1-inch thick. Cut the log into 3-inch pieces.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently add the gatta pieces to the boiling water. Boil for 10 minutes, or until the gatta float to the surface, indicating they are cooked through.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Drain the cooked gatta and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Cut the gatta into smaller bite-sized pieces.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • In a large wok or pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. This releases their nutty aroma.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the bay leaves, curry leaves, black cardamoms, cloves, black peppercorns, and dried red chiles. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the cooked gatta pieces to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Stir in the freshly grated coconut and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the coconut is fragrant and lightly toasted.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the boiled rice and salt to the pan. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the rice is well coated with the coconut mixture.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3-4 minutes over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld. This steaming process will help the rice absorb the coconut and spice flavors.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Garnish the Coconut Gatta Pulao with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with your favorite raita or chutney.
    Coconut Gatta Pulao: A Flavorful Fusion of South Indian and Rajasthani Cuisine - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For extra flavor, toast the grated coconut in a little desi ghee until golden before mixing it into the rice—this will intensify the coconut aroma and add a subtle nuttiness.
  • If you prefer crispier gatta, shallow-fry the steamed gatta pieces in ghee or oil until golden before adding them to the pulav, adding an appealing texture contrast.
  • To infuse authentic South Indian flavor, temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a pinch of hing (asafoetida) in hot ghee, then pour this tempering over the finished pulav before serving.
  • This pulav pairs exceptionally well with a tangy tomato or mint chutney; for a richer experience, serve alongside a cool cucumber raita spiked with roasted cumin powder.

Expert Tips

  • For a richer, more festive pulav, add some chopped cashews and raisins along with the coconut.
  • Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder pulav, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them.
  • Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking will help it cook evenly and result in fluffy, separated grains.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover pulav in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.20 from 5 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 4gFat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 712mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g

Neeru Gupta
Neeru Gupta
Articles: 53
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

4 Comments

4.20 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply