Vegetable Pulao

Week end is all about comforting , relaxing , reading , laughing ... beyond all spending time with family.This gives me the perfect way to relax and also regain energy for the upcoming week.

Weekend lunch will be sometimes special and sometimes simple ,based on that day's outing plan. This time lunch was special as we stayed at home.here is what we had for lunch.

The post lunch sessions are fun filled moments , some reading , some movies, some board games.When my husband got a win on snake and ladder game, my kiddo started 'Dad ! something is wrong here . Everytime you get to win ? ' All these moments.... I'm saving for rest of my life .

Now, coming back to the recipe, this is a simple one pot meal.But I must say,this one is,simple , aromatic and time saving dish.

Ingredients

Basmati rice ......................... 1 cup
Mixed vegetables ................ 1 cup,chopped( carrot, green peas, beans )
Onion .................................. 1 , medium, chopped
Red chilli powder.................. 1/ 2 tsp
Coriander Powder ................ 3/4 tsp
Turmeric Powder................... 1/8 tsp
Garam Masala ..................... 1/4 tsp
Green cardamom .................. 1
Cinnamon ............................. 1 inch piece
Clove .................................... 1 
Ginger ................................. 1 inch
Garlic .................................. 3 cloves
Bay leaf ................................ 1
Oil ....................................... 1 1/2 tsp
Ghee .................................... 1 tsp (optional)
Yogurt .................................. 1/4 cup
Water .................................... 1 3/4 cup
coriander leaves ................... 1/4 cup (chopped)
Mint leaves .......................... 1/4 cup (chopped)
Salt ...................................... to taste

Method

1. Wash rice couple of times, until you see the running water is clean.
2. Soak the rice for 15  to 30 minutes.
3. Heat a heavy bottom pan with oil and ghee ( if using).
4. Add cardamom, clove, cinnamon and bay leaf and saute for a minute.
5. Add the chopped onion and saute until transluscent.
6. Add the grated ginger and garlic and saute until the raw smell is gone.
7. Now add the vegetables and saute for 2 minutes.
8. Add the red chilli powder,coriander powder, turmeric powder and garam masala and mix well.
9. Add the drained rice and mix gently not to break the rice flakes.
10. make sure that every single grain is coated with some oil.
11. Now add half of the chooped coriander and mint.
12. Add water and whisked yogurt to the pan.
13. Bring the heat to maximum and add salt.
14. Once you see rice alone on the top and no more water(this might take about 7 to 8 minutes), reduce the heat to simmer and cover.
15. Let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes (or until all the water is gone and rice is cooked to perfection)
16. Add the reserved coriander and mint leaves.

Enjoy with any raita.

Notes

Add any vegetable of your choice.
Yogurt gives a  subtle tangy element to the rice.