AMRIT PAK

(Rice & Bengal Gram Pulao)

Recipe Overview

Amrit Pak is a traditional Thathai Bhatia rice preparation, combining rice and Bengal gram

lentils to create a wholesome and nourishing dish. Lightly flavoured with ghee and whole

spices, it reflects the simplicity and balance that define Bhatia cuisine.

Recipe Details

– Cuisine: Sindhi–Bhatia

– Course: Main (Rice Dish)

– Diet: Vegetarian

– Servings: 4–5

– Preparation Time: 10 minutes (+ soaking time)

– Cooking Time: 25 minutes

– Difficulty Level: Easy

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– Rice – 2 cups

– Bengal gram lentil (chana dal) – 1 cup

For Cooking

– Ghee – ½ tbsp

– Salt – to taste

Whole Spices

– Cardamom pods – 3–4

– Bay leaves – 2–3

Method

Step 1: Soak

– Wash and soak rice and Bengal gram lentils separately for 1 hour.

– Drain the rice and keep aside.

Step 2: Cook the Lentils

– In a pot (toap), cook the Bengal gram lentils on medium flame.

– When half cooked, add the soaked rice and salt.

Step 3: Cook Together

– Continue cooking until both the rice and lentils are fully cooked.

Step 4: Temper & Simmer

– Place the pot on a tawa to allow gentle simmering.

– Add cardamom pods, bay leaves, and ghee.

– Stir gently to combine without breaking the grains.

– Simmer for a few minutes to enhance flavour.

Chef’s Tip

Cooking the lentils slightly before adding rice ensures both ingredients cook evenly

while maintaining their individual texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Amrit Pak hot as part of a traditional meal.

It pairs especially well with:

– Vari Vanghar Jo Saag

– Dar Palka – https://panjakhada.com/dar-palka/

Variations

– Mixed Lentil Amrit Pak: Replace a portion of the Bengal gram lentils with

split green gram (moong dal) for a lighter texture and quicker cooking time.

– Vegetable Amrit Pak: Add seasonal vegetables such as peas, carrots, or diced potatoes

for extra flavour, colour, and nutrition.

– Spiced Version: Enhance the aroma by adding whole cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon,

or a pinch of turmeric during cooking.

– Festive Amrit Pak: Increase the quantity of ghee and garnish with fried cashews or raisins.

– Brown Rice Variation: Substitute white rice with brown rice for a nuttier flavour and higher

fibre content. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Best consumed fresh for optimal flavour and texture

– Can be refrigerated and reheated with a splash of water

Nutritional Insight 

– Balanced combination of carbohydrates (rice) and protein (lentils)

– Light yet filling

– Easily digestible and nourishing

Did You Know?

Dishes like Amrit Pak highlight the Bhatia philosophy of balanced eating, where simple

ingredients are combined to create nutritionally complete meals without heavy spices.

Cultural Significance

Amrit Pak embodies the essence of Thathai Bhatia cuisine—simple, nourishing, and

thoughtfully balanced. The combination of rice and Bengal gram reflects the community’s

emphasis on creating wholesome meals using everyday ingredients.

Traditionally prepared as part of regular family meals, Amrit Pak is valued for its comforting

nature and ease of digestion. Its minimal use of spices allows the natural flavours

of the rice, lentils, and ghee to shine through, illustrating the Bhatia preference

for subtle yet satisfying food.

The dish also reflects the community’s longstanding culinary philosophy of pairing cereals

with legumes to create nutritionally complete meals. Often served alongside vegetable

preparations such as Vari Vanghar Jo Saag and Dar Palka, Amrit Pak remains a timeless

example of how simplicity and balance are central to Thathai Bhatia food traditions.