Vegetable Pulav

Recipe No: 38                                                                        
This is a recipe without any Onion. So this Pulav will stay good at room temperature for quite a long time, making it excellent to pack for picnics as well as for trips. I have to say it tastes better the next day, stays good in the freezer for at least two weeks, thaws well and best of all if seasoned properly, it can be eaten just like that with Raita. Enjoy...

Ingredients                                                           Serves 6 adults

• Basmati rice……………………...3 cups
• Ghee (Clarified Butter)..……..2 tablespoons
• Whole Garam Masala…….....6 Cardamoms, 8 Cloves, 2 two inch Cinnamon piece and 2 Star Anise
• Water……………………………...5 ½ cups
• Chopped vegetables………....1 cup (I like to use a combination of Carrot, Beans and Peas)
• Crushed Ginger and Garlic…2 Tablespoons (I use paste at times too)
• Tomato chopped………………1 medium
• Curd………………………………...1/2 cup
• Oil……………………………………1 Tablespoon
• Salt…………………………………..as per taste (I use at least a tablespoon)

For Garnishing

• Fried Onions………………………1/4 cup
• Cashew nuts and Raisins…….3 Tablespoons each

Method of Preparation

1. Wash the rice properly and let it soak in warm water for 20 minutes and drain.
2. Start boiling 5 ½ cups of water in a pan.
3. Heat Ghee in a wide deep pan on medium high heat and fry the Cashew nuts for 30 seconds followed by Raisins. When the Raisins plump up remove it from the pan and keep aside for garnishing.
4. To the rest of the ghee add whole Garam Masala and fry till fragrant.
5. Add the Rice and fry really well. I used to fry till the rice grains on the bottom of the pan start to move on its own. Remove the rice and keep it aside for later use.
6. In the same pan add a tablespoon of Oil and add Ginger and Garlic.
7.  When the raw smell is gone add chopped Tomato followed by the Vegetables. Saute for a minute and add the curd. Mix well and let it cook for a minute.
8. Add the fried Basmati rice, boiling water and Salt, mix once, close the pan and let it cook on the lowest flame till all the water is absorbed.
9. When all the water is absorbed open the pan, mix once and let it cool down for 30 minutes.
10. Fluff up the rice without breaking the grains, add the garnishes on top and serve warm.

 

 Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and

serve it to your family with love…