Fried Rice with Parijat flowers

Parijat is considered to be a divine tree. It has several names like night jasmine, harshingar, pavizhamalli, shephali and coral jasmine.The flower is the official flower of the state of West Bengal, India, and for Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.

 The juice of its leaves is bitter and saline in taste and provides effective relief  for various body disorders ranging from common cough and cold to arthritis and sciatica. Its flowers, though bitter in taste, act as appetizer and soothe the stomach.

This is an awesome Assamese dish. AS Parijat tree has many medicinal properties, it is wise to include this in your menu.

Ingredients:

Rice     - 1 cup

Parijat flowers  - 1tbsp

Salt to taste

Oil or ghee       - 1 tbsp

Onion sliced     - 2 tbsps

Lightly roast and powder the following:

Mustard seeds  - 1/2 tsp

Methi seeds      - 1/4 tsp

Onion seeds     -1/2 tsp

Saunf    - 1/2 tsp

Ajwain - 1/4 tsp

Method:

- Cook the rice, drain and keep aside.

- Heat oil in a thick bottomed vessel, add sliced onions and reduce the flame.

- When they become transparent, add the parijat flowers. Keep stirring occasionally till the onions are brown.

- Add the ground masala powder, stir, and add the cooked rice and salt.

- Keep on slow fire for a minute or two, mix well and remove from the fire.