VEGETABLE PULAO( Spiced Vegetable Rice)

This is a fragrant rice recipe with lots of vegetables and spices.Vegetable pulao is the most comforting one pot meal which is cooked with a blend of spices and veggies with flavorful Basmati rice.Pulao can be made in different ways and there are many versions and recipes too.

Rice plays an important role in Indian cuisine.Basmati rice is a variety of  long grain rice grown in the nothern regions of India.It's fragarant and delicate.The main characteristic of Basmati is the intense fragrance that fills the air when the rice is being cooked.Basmati rice is available in 2 varieties:white and brown.   

Feeling lazy?...Make pulao.Ther's nothing like a pulao or biryani to save you time on a busy day.....I have been making this pulao for many years now.We usually have the pulao with meat or paneer curries or with grilled meat.I use whole spices instead of masala powder which yields an  aromatic mild flavor to the rice and a combination of ghee and oil for sauteing the veggies which brings out their flavor very nicely.Yesterday,I prepared this pulao  and my guests enjoyed well.So I thought of sharing the recipe to my friends who are very lazy during week days.

Here is the recipe for veg pulao
Ingredients: 
White Basmati rice-1cup
Mixed vegetables-
Carrot-1,cut in cubes
French beans-3-5 cut in small pieces
Green peas-1/4 cup
Cauli flower-5 florets(optional)
Onion-1 big,finely chopped
Ginger-Garlic paste-1tbsp
Green chillies-3-5,slit(As per tolerance level)
Turmeric powder-1/4tsp
Coriander powder-1/2tsp
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
Cinnamon-1'' stick
Cloves-3-5
cardamom-2-4pods
Whole pepper-3-5
Pepper powder-1/2-1tsp
Bay leaf-2
Juice of half lemon 
Coriander leaves-a handful
Mint leaves-5 leaves
Cashew nuts-a handful
Raisins-a handful 
Salt to taste
Water-11/2 cups 
Ghee/oil-as required 

Method:
Wash and soak the rice in enough water for at least 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes,drain the water completely using a colander.Heat 1-2tbsp ghee/oil in a pan and fry rice for few minutes.This will help the rice to become lengthy(will not break)when it is cooked.
Heat ghee/oil in a heavy bottomed vessel.Add cumin seeds and allow to splutter.Add the all whole spices and stir for few seconds.
Add finely chopped onion and saute it till translucent followed by the ginger garlic paste and green chillies in order.
Now add turmeric powder,coriander powder and crushed pepper to this mixture and stir for few seconds.
Add chopped vegetables with a little salt. Saute it for few minutes.
Now add stir fried rice,combine well.Pour the measured water and bring to a boil.Stir in salt.Keep the pan closed and cook on slow heat until done.
Switch off heat and add lemon juice and combine well.Add chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves.Garnish with fried cashew nuts and raisins.

Serve hot with Raita,Pappad and Mango Pickle....
 
Happy Cooking!!!