Ingredients 1½ cups basmati rice 2 tbsp ghee 2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera) 1 bay leaf 2 cloves 1 small cinnamon stick 3 cups water Salt to taste Method Wash the rice until the water runs clear and soak for 20 minutes. Heat ghee in a pot. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon; sauté for 30 seconds. Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Gently stir for 1–2 minutes. Add water and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Some days, you just want something simple and comforting. This is one of those meals. What you need: • Cooked rice • Curd (yogurt) • Salt Optional: • Mustard seeds • Curry leaves • A little oil Steps: 1. Mash the rice slightly. 2. Add curd and salt. 3. Mix gently. If you have the energy: 4. Add a simple tempering with mustard seeds and curry leaves. This does not have to be perfect. It just has to be enough for today. Do you like your curd rice plain or with tadka?

Some days, cooking feels heavier than usual. Not because the recipe is hard - but because everything else feels like a lot. What makes cooking feel difficult for you on those days? No right or wrong answers here.