Part 5/8:
Next, shallots are sautéed slowly until golden, building the foundation of sweetness and depth. Meanwhile, rice is prepared in a rice cooker with simple rinsed basmati rice and water, kept warm and ready for serving.
Developing the Sauce
Once the aromatics are ready, green chili, ginger-garlic paste, and additional spices—including Kashmiri chili powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala—are added. Toasting the ground spices enhances their aroma, but care is crucial to prevent bitterness. Tomato sauce joins the mixture, simmering for 8-10 minutes to thicken and deepen in color.