Vegetable Pulao (Pilaf)

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (beans, peas, carrots)
• 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger, chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1-2 tsp red chili powder to taste
• 1-2 tsp garam masala
• 1-2 sprigs curry leaves
• salt to taste

Directions

1. Heat oil in a saucepan on medium heat and fry onion until translucent.
2. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, chili powder, garam masala, and stir well.
3. Add mixed vegetables, curry leaves, mix well and continue stirring for 2 minutes.
4. Add rice and stir well.
5. Add 4 cups water, salt to taste, and mix well.
6. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium low and cook covered for 20-30 min or until all the water is absorbed.

Serves 5-6

TIC
Garam masala may be replaced by a mixture of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, anise, fennel etc, depending on taste.

Pressure cooking to replace step 6:  Follow steps 1-5 above except add only 3 cups water. Cover the pressure cooker, insert the weight/pressure regulator, and heat on high until the regulator begins to rock gently or a whistle is heard (depending on the pressure cooker).  Turn off heat immediately and allow the pressure to drop slowly.