Given how hot it gets in Rajasthan, no wonder this cooling Oliya is a famous speciality in the Marwar Region. It’s specially made during Sheetala Ashtami that happens just after Holi, but I think this is one dish you can relish at any time of the year, especially during summers. This dish is super easy to make and all it requires is a few ingredients that is readily available in every Indian kitchen. A glorious combination of curd, rice and nuts, topped with a few spices. Served chilled, this dish is the light at the end of a tunnel on a hot summer day. I love how these decadent mix of textures come together beautifully in this Rajasthani Namkeen Oliya. So the next time you’re planning a summer party at home ensure you whip up this simple dish to surprise your guests. This dish does have a lot of hidden treasures, it might look like a curd rice of sorts, but the added raisins and nuts give it a whole new flavour and a lovely crunchiness. This is also a hot favourite among the kiddos as it’s not overly spicy for them and that bite of sweetness is rather delightful. The recipe is really simple and you can also use some leftover rice or day old rice to make this dish. The curd or yoghurt is mixed until smooth, after which rice, nuts and raisins are mixed into the creamy curd. Finish off with a spring of fresh coriander and some dry red chilli and pop it in the fridge for a few hours. This is also one dish that you can make a few hours ahead which saves you time that you can spend socializing with your guests. So the next time you want to whip up something interesting in your kitchen, try this Namkeen Oliya and you won’t be disappointed. Some of the other recipes you could try with leftover rice are: Pineapple Fried Rice and this special Spicy Indo Chinese Schezwan Egg Fried Rice. Do checkout some of the other traditional Rajasthani recipes I’ve posted: Rajasthani Pyaz ki Kadhi, Rajasthani Sev Tamatar Ki Sabzi, Rajasthani Jaiphali Aloo, Rajasthani Laal Maas and a sweet Rajasthani Mawa Kachori.
Rajasthani Namkeen Oliya
- Fresh curd - 1 cup
- Boiled Rice - ½ cup
- Almonds - 2 tbsp ( Slivered )
- Cashew Nuts - 2 tbsp ( Chopped )
- Raisins - 10-12
- Roasted cumin seeds - 1 tsp
- Mustard seeds powder - ¼ tsp
- Whisk fresh curd until smooth.
- Add boiled rice, almonds, cashew nuts, raisins, roasted cumin seeds and mustard seeds powder and mix well.
- Add little milk if the oily is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and dry red chilli.
- Refrigerate for a few hours.
- Serve chilled.
Neha's love for recipes is evident from this site. She is a food stylist, consultant and photographer. Connect with Neha to learn more. 
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