Wedding Traditions: What Yellow Rice is Tossed at an Indian Wedding, and How Do You Cook It?

Every wedding has its own set of customs. Here’s one that both serves as a tradition and a delicious treat.

Dear Wedding Guru: “How do you prepare the yellow Indian rice that is thrown at the couple in an Indian wedding?”

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Dear Hudson Valley wedding guest: Yellow rice is traditionally thrown during Indian weddings for good luck. Here’s a recipe from an Indian chef in New York City. (Of course, I don’t advocate throwing this delicious rice, but instead, eating it!)

Lal Mahal (also called Kohinoor Basmati Rice)

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 2 Tbsp ghee (or oil)
• 1 stick (2 in.) cinnamon
• 2 whole cloves
• 4 cardamon seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 2 dried chilies
• Salt, to taste
• ½ frozen peas
• 2 cups water

1. Rinse rice in two changes of water. Allow to rest, covered in fresh water for about an hour.
2. Heat ghee or oil in heavy-bottomed pot.
3. Add whole spices, salt and turmeric.
4. Add drained rice and stir until rice becomes opaque.
5. Add water and peas, and bring to a boil.
6. Turn down heat to medium-low and cover pot until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.

» Read more about wedding traditions
» Read more from The Wedding Guru blog
» Submit a question to the Wedding Guru
» Hudson Valley Weddings 2011
» View our Wedding Guide