Simple Chawal

June 29, 2025

Simple ChawaL

Simple chawal is a classic Pakistani boiled rice recipe that pairs perfectly with curries, daals, and gravies. It's soft, fluffy, and a daily mealtime essential.

Title: The Simplicity and Perfection of Simple Chawal—A Staple in Every Pakistani Kitchen

Introduction

In every Pakistani household, one dish that holds a special place on the dining table is simple chawal, or plain boiled rice. Though it may appear modest, its importance cannot be overstated. Simple chawal is a staple food that complements almost every traditional curry, daal (lentils), sabzi (vegetables), and even kebabs or fried items. This humble dish brings balance, absorbs flavors beautifully, and is often the base of a hearty, satisfying meal. In this blog, we will explore the beauty of simple chawal, its cultural significance, health benefits, and, of course, an easy step-by-step recipe to make perfect fluffy rice every time.

Why Simple Chawal Matters

Rice is an essential grain in South Asian cuisine, and in Pakistan, it is enjoyed in various forms—from biryani and pulao to khichdi and sweet zarda. Among all these variations, plain boiled rice stands out because of its versatility. It is.

Budget-friendly

Quick to cook

Extremely filling

Loved by all ages

No matter how grand or simple the menu is, chawal can instantly complete it. Whether served with chicken curry on a festive table or with daal on a quiet weekday night, chawal carries a comforting presence that makes every meal feel just right.

Ingredients for Simple Chawal

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make boiled rice. Just 3 main items:

Basmati cup

Water—4 to 5 cups (depending on method)

Salt tsp or to taste

(Optional: 1 tsp oil or ghee for fragrance and non-stick texture)

Choosing the Right Rice

In Pakistani kitchens, basmati rice is most commonly used because of its long grains, aromatic fragrance, and non-sticky texture. For best results:

Use aged basmati rice

Wash the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch

Soak the rice for 20–30 minutes before boiling (optional but helps in even cooking)

Method 1: Traditional Boiling Method (Like Pasta)

This is the most common method used in Pakistani homes.

Step-by-step:

1. Wash and Soak

Rinse 1 cup of rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Soak it for 20 minutes.

2. Boil Water

In a large pot, bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp salt.

3. Add rice.

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water.

4. Boil and stir gently.

Let it cook uncovered on medium-high heat. Stir gently once or twice to avoid breaking the grains.

5. Check for Doneness

After 7–10 minutes, pick a grain and press it—it should be soft but not mushy.

6. Drain and Steam

Once cooked, drain the rice in a colander. You can place the rice back in the pot (without water), cover it with a tight lid, and let it steam on low heat for 5 minutes.

7. Fluff and Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

Method 2: Absorption Method (One-Pot)

This method uses a precise water-to-rice ratio and cooks the rice until all the water is absorbed.

Step-by-step:

1. Wash and Soak Rice

Rinse and soak as mentioned above.

2. Add Water

In a pot, add 1 cup rice and 1.5 to 2 cups water (depending on how soft you want it) and 1 tsp salt.

3. Cook Covered

Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes.

4. Steam and Fluff

Once water is absorbed and rice is soft, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork.

This method gives slightly stickier rice, perfect for dishes like chicken curry or daal.

Serving Suggestions

Simple chawal tastes amazing with:

Daal (Masoor, Moong, Chana, Mix Daal)

Chicken Curry or Karahi

Aloo Gosht

Palak or Bhindi

Raita and Salad

Achaar and Papad

For kids, it can be served with butter, egg curry, or sweetened milk (kheer style) for a comfort meal.

Tips for Perfect Simple Chawal

Soaking helps the grains cook evenly and prevents them from breaking.

Don’t over-stir while boiling; rice is delicate and can become mushy.

Use a large pot for the boiling method to give rice enough space to expand.

Avoid overcooking or leaving rice in water too long after boiling—this causes sogginess.

For extra aroma, add a drop of oil, ghee, or a pinch of cumin while boiling.

Health Benefits of Simple Chawal

While plain rice is often considered “boring”, it has plenty of health benefits:

Gluten-free and easy to digest

Provides energy through complex carbohydrates

Low in fat and sodium

Pairs well with protein-rich dals and vegetables

If you use brown rice instead of white basmati, the fibre content increases, making it an even healthier option.

Cultural Significance of Chawal in Pakistan

In Pakistan, rice is not just food—it’s tradition. From casual lunches to wedding feasts, you’ll always find some rice-based dish. But even the simple chawal has its own charm.

For many students, workers, and families, chawal and daal are the go-to economical, filling meal. It reminds people of their mother's kitchen, of home, and of simplicity. During Ramadan, rice often appears at iftar paired with a light curry or raita. On Eid, while biryani rules, the simplicity of plain rice still has its place with flavourful qormas and kormas.

Conclusion

Simple Chawal is proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just rice, water, and salt, you can create something comforting, delicious, and deeply rooted in culture. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, mastering this basic recipe can elevate your entire kitchen game. So the next time you’re thinking of what to cook, don’t overlook the humble chawal—it might just be the star of your meal.