The internet is abuzz with chatter about a recent viral video posted by Instagram food vlogger Pratima Pradhan, also known as “thecookingamma.” In the video, Pradhan demonstrates how to prepare an eye-catching dish: blue-colored ghee rice. This unconventional twist on a traditional recipe has sparked a flurry of reactions from viewers, ranging from curiosity to skepticism.
The Making of Blue Ghee Rice
Pradhan’s video begins with the preparation of the key ingredient: butterfly pea flowers. She meticulously washes the flowers, removes the stems, and collects the vibrant blue petals in an earthen bowl. Meanwhile, she briefly soaks rice before boiling water and adding the petals to create a vivid blue infusion.
Aromatic Infusion and Culinary Creativity
In a separate pan, Pradhan heats ghee and adds a medley of spices, including bay leaf, cashews, raisins, chopped onions, and sliced green chilies. After a quick sauté, she incorporates the cooked blue rice into the fragrant mixture, resulting in a visually striking dish that contrasts the blue rice against the golden ghee and aromatic spices.
Mixed Reactions and Cultural References
Since its upload, Pradhan’s video has garnered approximately 15 million views on Instagram, eliciting a spectrum of responses from viewers. While some expressed hesitation at the thought of consuming bright blue rice, others applauded the innovative recipe and suggested variations.
Health Benefits and Global Influences
Beyond its visual appeal, butterfly pea flower, known as Aparajita in Hindi, boasts numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanin, these flowers are believed to boost immunity, aid in weight loss, promote heart health, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Cultural Connections and Culinary Exploration
The trend of experimenting with traditional recipes is not new, as demonstrated by the example of nasi kerabu, a Malaysian dish that also features blue rice made using butterfly pea flowers. This global culinary exploration underscores the ever-evolving nature of food culture and the endless possibilities for culinary creativity.
Pradhan’s blue ghee rice recipe exemplifies the intersection of culinary innovation, cultural influence, and social media engagement. As viewers continue to share their thoughts and experiences, the viral video serves as a testament to the power of food to inspire, unite, and spark conversation in an increasingly interconnected world.
