Baked Feta Pasta (viral Tiktok Recipe)

Baked feta pasta- the recipe that has taken the culinary world by storm! This pasta with feta cheese and cherry tomatoes is creamy, delicious, and beyond easy to put together. It is the perfect dish for busy weeknight dinners and the whole thing is done in about 45 minutes with minimal hands-on time!

Overhead shot of baked feta pasta in a baking dish - 1

Trending recipes are a thing these days! Remember the dalgona coffee, cloud bread, pancake cereal, chocolate bombs, tortilla folding hack, and now, baked feta pasta!

I resisted making this recipe for so long now, coz honestly, I thought it would die down. But it looks like that is far from happening, as stores in the US are already facing a shortage of feta cheese.

Even though TikTok is banned in India, I keep up with trending recipes, thanks to my blogging buddies. Since most of them have already hopped aboard this baked feta pasta trend, I finally caved in too!

I really wanted to know if this recipe is worth the hype! Both me and my husband also happen to love feta cheese. So there was nothing to lose.

After trying the recipe, I can understand why it’s gotten so popular. It is so easy to put together and tastes delicious. I was really skeptical that the kids would enjoy this dish, so imagine my surprise when they did! Win-win 😀

I usually make a simple skillet cherry tomato pasta, which is delicious in its own way. But this version was rich and indulgent, definitely not something that can be made frequently given the calories. It is good for one of those days when you crave creamy and cheesy comfort food.

This recipe is so good you guys, it’s all about the insanely delicious feta tomato sauce!!

Tomato feta pasta in a white baking dish - 2

What is TikTok pasta?
Baked feta pasta ingredients
Why should you cave in and try this recipe too?
How to make TikTok viral recipe baked feta pasta – Step by step instructions
Storage instructions
Variations of this recipe
Frequently asked questions
More pasta recipes
Baked Feta Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)

What is TikTok pasta?

The recipe is pretty straight-forward. Cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese, drizzled with lots of olive oil are oven-roasted together to create a sauce. Then the cooked pasta is tossed in and you have a super easy yet utterly delicious meal that’s creamy and comforting!

This TikTok pasta recipe comes together in 3 steps;

Make the creamy baked feta tomato sauce
Cook the pasta
Combine the two

I first came across this recipe shared by Feel Good Foodie who in turn learned it from Grilled cheese social .

This recipe was originally shared by a Finnish blogger named Tiuu in Feb 2018. You can find the original recipe here . The recipe was made famous by another Finnish blogger, Jenni Häyrinen, in 2019 with the hashtag #uunifetapasta. You can find her recipe here . Both these blog posts are in Finnish, so you can use the google translate option if you’d like to read it.

I’ve read that this recipe became so popular that stores in Finland ran out of feta cheese!

Baked feta pasta ingredients

You will need the following ingredients;

Feta cheese: I suggest using full-fat feta cheese for best results. There’s no additional heavy cream in this recipe, the creamy component comes from the feta cheese. So try and use full-fat for the ultimate baked feta pasta!
Tomatoes: This recipe works best with cherry tomatoes, though you can also use grape tomatoes. The cherry tomatoes shrivel and burst open on roasting, releasing their sweet juices, which when combined with the melted feta cheese creates this luxurious, tangy, and creamy sauce! You can also use Roma or plum tomatoes, quarter them and use them in the recipe. However, I strongly suggest using cherry tomatoes.
Pasta: I’ve used rotini which is spiral-shaped pasta. The pasta works well in this recipe as the sauce adheres well to the ridges of the pasta, so every bite is really flavorful.
Olive oil: You will need a good amount of olive oil in this recipe to make the sauce. If you skimp on it, the sauce won’t be as creamy.
Onion and garlic: Onions are not included in the original recipe, but I like the flavor it imparts to the sauce. I’ve also added more garlic cloves, as roasted garlic turns sweet and creamy enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.
Seasoning: I’ve used kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and some Italian seasoning. The original recipe only calls for salt, pepper and half a red chilli pepper, but the red pepper flakes are a good substitute to add some heat.
Fresh basil leaves: I’ve used a lot of fresh basil as opposed to the original recipe. The sweet flavor of basil leaves adds the much needed freshness in this recipe, balancing out the creamy and tangy flavors of the feta cheese.

Why should you cave in and try this recipe too?

If you enjoy feta, then here are some of the reasons why you must try this recipe!

If you are on the lookout for new pasta recipes, give this one a go and do so soon, before there’s a shortage of feta cheese in your area 😀
It is packed with flavors given that it’s made with just a few ingredients
Perfect for meatless meals, you won’t miss the meat at all! At least we didn’t!
You hardly need any hands-on prep time!
Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Ideal to feed a crowd
Can be customized to suit your palate (See variations below)

Roasted cherry tomatoes and feta cheese in a baking dish - 5

How to make TikTok viral recipe baked feta pasta – Step by step instructions

Step 1: Baked tomato feta sauce

Preheat the oven at 400° F or 200° C

Place 1.5 pounds of cherry tomatoes, 1 cup sliced onion, and 8 to 9 garlic cloves in a baking dish or casserole. (Photos 1 to 3)

Drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil. (Photo 4)

Season with 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and half teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give it a good mix. (Photos 5 to 9)

Add all the ingredients in a baking dish - 6

Make some space in the center of the dish, place a 7 to 8 oz block of feta cheese, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. (Photos 10 to 12)

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting, and the cheese is soft and melty. (Photo 13)

Block of feta cheese placed in the center drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with black pepper, and Italian seasoning - 7

Step 2: Cook the pasta

While the veggies are baking, boil the pasta. Cook 8 oz of dried pasta as per the instructions on the pasta box. Drain, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water, if needed later.

If you don’t need the starchy water, refrigerate it for later, in case you have leftovers, it will come in handy while heating the pasta. (Photos 14 to 16)

Pasta cooked as per package instructions - 8

Step 3: Assemble and serve

Remove the baking dish from the oven. (Photo17)

The tomatoes would have burst open and the cheese should be soft and melty. Mash the cheese with the help of a fork or spatula, then mix everything together. (Photos 18 and 19) Excercise precaution while mashing the tomatoes as the juices are hot.

Add the cooked pasta and a handful of basil leaves, roughly torn. (Photo 20)

Feat cheese is mashed and mixed with the tomatoes - 9

Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. (Photos 21 and 22)

Pasta tossed with the feta tomato sauce - 10

If it looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time. I didn’t need to add any extra liquid.

Check for seasonings, adjust with salt and pepper if required. Dish out, serve with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Feta pasta served in two black bowls along with crusty bread - 11

Storage instructions

This dish is best served quickly while it is still warm.

If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave or a skillet on medium-low heat until heated through. Add some of the reserved pasta water as needed if it looks too dry.

Variations of this recipe

This recipe is delicious as it is, but there’s plenty of room to give it your own twist. Here are ideas to give you a headstart!

Make a sauce: If you don’t like the cherry tomato skins, blend all the ingredients after baking to make a delicious, ultra-creamy, tomato and feta sauce. You can also strain the sauce for a really smooth consistency.

Add some proteins: You can mix in about a cup or two of diced cooked or shredded rotisserie chicken, shrimps, browned Italian sausage, etc.

More veggies: You can add more veggies for a nutritional boost such as bell peppers, broccoli, green beans, zucchini, asparagus, yellow squash, artichoke hearts, or mushrooms. I suggest cooking these separately in a skillet and then adding them along with the cooked pasta so that they retain their tender-crisp texture.

If you roast the soft veggies along with the tomatoes, they may just disappear into the sauce, adding their own flavor. You can choose to grill, saute, steam or roast these veggies.

Throw in some greens : You can also add some greens like baby spinach, arugula, baby kale, etc along with the pasta. The greens will wilt down in the residual heat from the sauce.

Add fresh herbs: You can throw in sprigs of thyme, rosemary, and/or freshly chopped parsley, or chives for a change.

Serve it as dip: The feta tomato sauce is perfect to be used as a dip for crusty bread. You can even top crostini with this delicious sauce. Avoid mashing all the tomatoes, keep some whole for texture. Yum!

Overhead shot of Feta pasta served in two black bowls with the baking dish in the background - 12

Can I use crumbled feta cheese?

Yes, you can! Though it won’t melt as well as a block. Pile the crumbled cheese in the center of the baking dish, and bake as directed.

Can I make this with other cheese?

I’ve not tried this recipe with any other cheese. But I’ve seen versions on the net where others have tried using mascarpone, goat cheese, burrata, and ricotta.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any kind of pasta. Penne, cavatappi, rigatoni, bowtie, elbow, orecchiette, gnocchi are some of the other pasta that will work great in this recipe. You can also switch it up by using spaghetti, capellini, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta for a change.

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

You can use any gluten-free pasta of choice to make this recipe gluten-free. As for the vegan version, I’m not sure as I’ve never tried vegan feta cheese. I found this video on youtube that uses vegan feta cheese that worked well.

Can I skip the pasta for a low-carb version?

Yes, you definitely can! Use spiralized vegetable noodles like zucchini, sweet potatoes, carrots, or cooked spaghetti squash, etc.

What kind of baking dish do I need for the recipe?

The tomatoes should be sitting snugly in the baking dish for a saucy consistency. I’ve used a 10 x 12-inch baking dish and it worked well. A 9 x 13-inch baking dish would be ideal for this recipe.

More pasta recipes

Pasta primavera

Stuffed shells

Instant Pot chili mac

Instant Pot spaghetti with meat sauce

★ Have you tried the viral feta pasta recipe yet? What are your thoughts about this dish? I would love to hear from you!

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Baked Feta Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Ingredients1x2x3x

1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
1 cup sliced onion or shallots
8 to 9 garlic cloves, adjust as desired
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
7 oz Greek feta cheese
8 oz dried pasta of choice
A handful of basil leaves, roughly torn
Grated parmesan cheese, for serving, optional

Instructions

Place cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, and sliced garlic cloves in a baking dish or casserole.
Drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Season with kosher or sea salt,half of the freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and half of the Italian seasoning. Give it a good mix.
Make some space in the center of the dish, place the block of feta cheese, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, sprinkle the remaining black pepper and Italian seasoning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting, and the cheese is soft and melty.
While the veggies are baking, boil the pasta. Cook 2 cups of pasta as per the instructions on the pasta box. Drain, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water, if needed later.
Remove the baking dish from the oven.
The tomatoes would have burst open and the cheese should be soft and melty. Mash the cheese with the help of a fork or spatula, then mix everything together.
Add the cooked pasta and roughly torn basil leaves.
Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
If it looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time. I didn’t need to add any extra liquid.
Check for seasonings, adjust with salt and pepper if required. Dish out, serve with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Baked Feta Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Ingredients

1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
1 cup sliced onion or shallots
8 to 9 garlic cloves, adjust as desired
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, divided
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
7 oz Greek feta cheese
8 oz dried pasta of choice
A handful of basil leaves, roughly torn
Grated parmesan cheese, for serving, optional

Instructions

Place cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, and sliced garlic cloves in a baking dish or casserole.
Drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Season with kosher or sea salt,half of the freshly cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and half of the Italian seasoning. Give it a good mix.
Make some space in the center of the dish, place the block of feta cheese, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, sprinkle the remaining black pepper and Italian seasoning.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting, and the cheese is soft and melty.
While the veggies are baking, boil the pasta. Cook 2 cups of pasta as per the instructions on the pasta box. Drain, reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water, if needed later.
Remove the baking dish from the oven.
The tomatoes would have burst open and the cheese should be soft and melty. Mash the cheese with the help of a fork or spatula, then mix everything together.
Add the cooked pasta and roughly torn basil leaves.
Toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
If it looks dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time. I didn’t need to add any extra liquid.
Check for seasonings, adjust with salt and pepper if required. Dish out, serve with a sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Bagara rice also known as bagara chawal is a popular Hyderabadi rice dish flavored with aromatic spices, caramelized onions, fresh coriander, and mint leaves. Here’s a quick video recipe that shows you how to make bagara rice at home.

Bagara rice served in an oval pewter tray - 15

Rice dishes are often my top choice when it comes to one-pot meals. And there are a variety of Indian rice dishes, from the popular biryani’s to pulao’s, so one is really spoilt for choices.

Today’s recipe is from the delicious Hyderabadi cuisine, one that is known for its rich biryani’s, kababs, and curries! Haleem, double ka meetha, mirchi salan, mutton dalcha, and of course the dum biryani’s are some of my favorite Hyderabadi dishes.

I’m actually surprised that I’ve not yet shared this simple bagara rice recipe yet on the blog given the fact that I make it often. It is a really simple recipe and a great alternative to preparing elaborate biryani’s.

What is the meaning of bagaar?
You will enjoy this recipe as it is
Ingredients needed to make this rice dish
How to make Hyderabadi bagara rice recipe – Step by step process
Serving suggestions
Storage instructions
Tips to make this recipe
Variations
Frequently asked questions
You may also enjoy these Indian vegetarian rice recipes
Bagara Rice Recipe

What is the meaning of bagaar?

Bagaar means tempering in Hindi. In this recipe, a tempering of whole spices, ginger, garlic, onions, and herbs is prepared. Water is added to the tempering and brought to a boil, then rice is added and cooked. Hence it is known as bagara rice.

The tempering is important in this recipe, as it is of the essence in this dish. Bagara rice is also known by other names such as bagara khana or bagara annam.

It is often prepared during weddings, festivals, and other special occasions along with the other popular Hyderabadi delicacies.

Ingredients needed to make this rice dish

To make this simple yet tasty Hyderabadi rice dish, you will need the following ingredients;

Rice: I’ve used basmati rice for this recipe. You can use regular rice if you intend to make this for regular meals. But if it’s for a special occasion, please do use basmati rice.

Cooking fat: Use ghee for a delicious flavor!

Whole spices: I’ve used cinnamon, green cardamom, bay leaf, star anise, cloves, peppercorns, mace, shahi jeera, kapok buds, and stone flower. Depending on where you live, you may or may not have access to kapok buds, also known as marathi moggu, and stone flower known as dagad phool or biryani phool. So feel free to skip these, the rice will still taste good.

Onions: I like to use a lot of thinly sliced onions as the caramelized onions add a great depth of flavor to this simple dish. The more onions you add, the darker the color of the rice will be, and obviously, it will be more flavorful.

Green chillies: Adds a very subtle kick and flavor. Of course, you can adjust to taste. I’ve used the less spicy chilli variety to keep this dish kid-friendly. You may skip it too. You can also use jalapenos or serrano chile peppers.

Ginger and garlic: Please try and use freshly minced ginger and garlic rather than the readymade paste. It makes a lot of difference in any recipe.

Fresh herbs: Coriander and mint leaves

Salt: To season!

Garam masala: Optional but recommended!

Liquid: I’ve used water, which is what is used in the traditional recipe. But you can also use vegetable stock or chicken stock for a non-vegetarian version. The stock definitely makes this bagara rice tastier.

How to make Hyderabadi bagara rice recipe – Step by step process

Stovetop Method

Step 1: Rinse and soak the rice

Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice until the water runs clear, soak it in 2-3 cups of water for 30 minutes. ( Photo 1 )

In the meanwhile, prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Saute whole spices

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add 1 teaspoon shahi jeera, 2-inch cinnamon, 4 green cardamoms, 2-3 blades of mace, 1 bay leaf, 1-star anise, 2-3 cloves, 5-6 peppercorns, 1 kapok bud, and 1 teaspoon stone flower.

Saute for a few seconds until the spices are fragrant. ( Photos 2 to 5 )

Step 3: Saute onions, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and herbs

Next, add 2 cups of sliced onions, saute until the onions turn golden brown. ( Photos 6 and 7 )

Add 2 slit green chillies, 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, saute until fragrant. ( Photos 8 and 9 )

Saute onions, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and herbs - 21

Add 1/4 cup of each chopped coriander and mint leaves, saute until the herbs wilt. ( Photos 10-12 )

Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients and cook rice

Next, add 1/4 teaspoon garam masala and 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of table salt, saute for a few seconds. ( Photos 13 to 15 )

Add 1.75 cups of water, mix well, and bring to a boil. ( Photo 16 )

Check for seasoning, the water should taste salty. Add more salt if needed.

Add the drained rice, and mix well, reduce the heat, cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is done. ( Photos 17 to 19 )

Step 5: Let the rice rest for 10 minutes

Switch off the heat and let the rice stand undisturbed, with the lid on, for 10 minutes. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. ( Photos 20 and 21 )

Instant Pot Method

Press the ‘SAUTE’ button, and set it to ‘NORMAL’. Once it displays, ‘HOT’, then add 2 tablespoons of ghee, let it heat up a bit, add 1 teaspoon shahi jeera, 2-inch cinnamon, 4 green cardamoms, 2-3 blades of mace, 1 bay leaf, 1-star anise, 2-3 cloves, 5-6 peppercorns, 1 kapok bud, and 1 teaspoon stone flower, saute for a few seconds until the spices are fragrant. ( Photos 22 and 23 )

Add 2 cups of sliced onions, saute until the onions turn golden brown. ( Photos 24 and 25 )

Add 2 slit green chillies, 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon minced ginger, saute until fragrant. ( Photo 26 )

Add 1/4 cup of each chopped coriander and mint leaves, saute until the herbs wilt. ( Photos 27 and 28 )

Next, add 1/4 teaspoon garam masala and 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of table salt, saute for a few seconds. ( Photos 28 and 29 )

If you have browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot, deglaze it with about 2 tablespoons of water to avoid a potential ‘BURN’ error. ( Photo 31 )

Add green chillies, ginger, garlic, garam masala, and salt - 28

Add 1 cup of water and give everything a good mix. Check for seasoning, the water should taste salty. Add more salt if needed. ( Photo 32 )

Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Make sure the rice is submerged under the liquid. ( Photo 33 )

Press ‘CANCEL’ to switch off the “SAUTE’ mode. Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the valve to ‘SEALING’. Pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. It will take some time for the pressure to build up (about 6 minutes), after which the timer will begin. ( Photo 34 )

Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pot depressurize for 10 minutes. Then do a quick release of the leftover pressure as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Press ‘CANCEL’ and switch off the IP. Once the silver pin drops, turn the knob to ‘VENTING’ and open the lid away from you.

Fluff the rice with a fork. ( Photos 35 to 37)

Serving suggestions

This rice is often served with mutton dalcha. You can serve it with your favorite mutton/chicken curry or biryani gravy. You can also serve this rice with a simple dal/kadhi or any of the vegetarian curries like stew, veg kurma, etc.

Today I’ve served it with one of my favorite eggplant dishes, bagara baingan . The combination was a truly finger-licking, delicious vegetarian treat! So good :p

If you are pressed for time to prepare a curry, simply serve this flavorful rice with some rice, papad, and a spicy pickle! Yum!!

Bagara rice served with bagara baingan - 31

Storage instructions

Since this is a small batch, ideally, you won’t have leftovers. But if you do intend to refrigerate it, make sure you do so within one hour of cooking the rice. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

Sprinkle some water, and reheat in a microwave-safe bowl or in a skillet over medium-low heat, until heated through.

Tips to make this recipe

Don’t skimp on the ghee: Ghee adds a great deal of flavor to this humble dish, so definitely use it instead of any cooking oil.

Fry the onions on low heat: This step requires patience, but you have to mindful of the onions. If they brown too much, they will impart a bitter taste to the final dish.

Use the herbs : Avoid skipping the coriander and mint leaves, as they add a nice herby note to the rice. If you are not a fan of coriander, skip it. But I don’t suggest skipping the fresh mint. You can use dried mint powder if you don’t have fresh mint.

Check for salt: As soon as you add the water and bring it to a boil, check for salt. The water should taste salty enough for the final rice dish to be seasoned well. If it’s not salty, adjust at this stage itself or you’ll end up with bland rice.

Let the rice rest: After the rice is done cooking, it is imperative to leave it undisturbed for at least 10-15 minutes. Do not fluff it with a fork right away, as the rice continues to absorb moisture even after cooking. Letting it rest will ensure that the rice doesn’t get clumpy, and you have distinct, separate grains while serving.

Bagara annam served in an oval pewter tray garnished with brown onions and mint leaves - 32

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add veggies like carrots, corn, peas, green beans, bell peppers or even diced mushrooms, etc to make this a wholesome one-pot meal.

Add proteins (vegetarian version): To make it heartier, add cooked chickpeas, beans, sprouts, paneer, or tofu.

Turmeric: You can add about 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric to give this dish a yellow hue!

Add nuts and/or raisins: You can saute about 8-10 cashew nuts, split into halves, and 2 tablespoons of golden raisins in ghee until the cashew nuts turn golden brown and the raisins puff up. Set aside and follow the recipe from step 1. Add the roasted cashew nuts and raisins in the last step after fluffing the rice for some texture and hint of sweetness in this dish.

Chicken: Dice up about 1 boneless chicken breast or 2 chicken thighs into 1-inch chunks. Marinate with ginger garlic paste, yogurt, lemon juice salt, and pepper. Add it to the pot after sauteing the green chillies, ginger, and garlic. Saute on medium-high heat until the chicken pieces turn opaque, about 4-5 minutes. Then follow the rest of the recipe as stated above.

How to make this recipe in a stovetop pressure cooker?

Follow the same steps as above. Reduce the water to 1.5 cups. Cook on high for 2 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you most certainly can. Use any vegetable oil of choice for a vegan version.

Which is the best rice to use for this dish?

Like I mentioned above, it is best to use basmati rice for this recipe. Basmati is long-grain rice, known for its aroma, flavor, and texture. But if you are preparing this for your regular meals, you can use sona masoori rice. You can also consider using brown basmati rice.

Can I make this leftover rice?

It will work in a pinch. But, honestly, you can make use of your leftover rice in other recipes like lemon rice, cabbage rice, masala rice, etc. Use uncooked rice for best results.

What can I use instead of rice?

You can swap the rice with quinoa to make bagara quinoa instead. The process is the same. Be sure to rinse the quinoa, there is no need to soak it.

The ratio of quinoa to liquid is 1:2, though I prefer a 1:1.75 ratio. For the Instant Pot, follow a 1:1 ratio. You can refer to this Instant Pot quinoa pulao for more details.

You may also enjoy these Indian vegetarian rice recipes

Vegetable pulao

Moong sprouts and paneer pulao

Palak rice

Cauliflower dum biryani

Mushroom pulao

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