Veg. Pulao

        Veg. Pulao is a one pot comfort meal with the goodness of some mixed veggies. Just some raita, any side dish (opt) and papad is all that need to enjoy this yummy dish. It is a very easy and a quick recipe when you are in no mood to dish out a full course meal. It is a great satisfying delicacy that can be had for brunch, lunch or as a lunch box meal too. 

          A great substitute for plain steamed rice or jeera rice, it is mildly flavoured with whole garam masala (including mace and nutmeg) along with some homemade garam masala powder and some chopped coriander-mint leaves.

          I have added some chopped nuts and fried onions too, for some crunch. It is purely optional. So do give it a try when you want a simple no-fuss meal and enjoy with your loved ones. 

• 1 cup Basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
• 1 & 1/2 cups hot water
• 1 cup mixed veggies, chopped (beans, cauliflower, peas, carrots)
• 2-3 tbsp. ghee
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds 
• 2 bay leaves
• 2-3 green cardamoms 
• 1" cinnamon stick 
• 4-5 cloves
• 1/2 mace
• pinch of nutmeg powder
• salt to taste 
• 1 tsp. garam masala powder
• handful of coriander-mint leaves, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tbsp. chopped almonds & pistachios
• 1 tbsp. coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp. fried onions (opt)

          Heat ghee in a pan and temper with cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves and mace. Sauté for a few seconds. 

          Add the chopped veggies and all the dry spices. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the drained rice and mint-coriander leaves. Continue to stir fry for 2 more minutes.

         Add water and green chilies. Pressure cook for 2 whistles. Switch off the flame and allow it to rest for awhile before opening the lid of the cooker. 

          Garnish with chopped nuts, fried onion and coriander leaves. Serve it hot with raita and some side dish.