Pulao is a popular Indian dish made with rice and a variety of vegetables and spices.
Ingredients:
2 cups basmati rice
3 cups water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 bay leaf
2 green cardamom pods
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.), chopped
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
Salt, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
Rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Allow them to crackle.
Add the chopped onions and stir-fry until they turn golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and stir-fry for another minute.
Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
Add the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir well to combine the rice and vegetables.
Add 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Note:
You can also add 1/2 cup of frozen peas and 1/2 cup of diced carrots to the recipe for an additional flavor. Also, you can add some cashews and raisins to the recipe for a richer flavor.
