Easy Breezy Vegetable Peas Pulao/ Rice Pilaf

With so much talk, research going on about TV and toddlers, its effects, consequences and what not we restrict our toddler from watching TV. As a result our TV is switched off for most part and we hardly know what is going on in the TV land. It is a good thing one way, as we are able to utilize that time to do other useful things.

But now that the Democratic Presidential Nomination here in the US is in full swing it is so hard to not be a part of it. The race is also interesting and tight, that it is hard to switch off the TV and remain in suspense. So we have made some exceptions and watch the primaries, results and the proceedings very closely.

So on those days I make a point to make some easy rice dish along with a salad or raita. That way it is filling as well as nutritious and best of all I don’t have to slave in the kitchen. I make this rice in the pressure cooker and that way there is no ‘baby sitting’ involved as well.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (basmati/sona masuri)
• 1 small onion
• 1 medium potato
• Grated garlic + grated ginger 1 Tbsp
• 1/2 small bell pepper
• 1/2 cup veggies of your choice (carrot/beans/peas)
• 3-4 green chillies
• 6-8 cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon
• 1 star anise (optional)
• Handful of coriander levaes
• 2 tsp mustard
• Olive Oil
• Salt

Preparation:

• Wash the rice thoroughly in enough water. Drain it and keep aside.
• Cut the onions into fine piece and keep aside. Chop the vegetables into small pieces.
• Peel the potato skin and dice into cubes. Place the cut potato in a pot of water.

Method:

• In a pressure cooker, add some oil and wait till it becomes hot.
• Add the mustard, then add cinnamon, star anise (if using) and cloves and stir well.
• Add the grated ginger garlic paste and cook until the garlic turns light brown.
• Add the chopped onion and stir until it softens a bit, now add the other vegetables including potatoes, bell pepper.
• There is no need to wait until the vegetables are cooked. Just make sure that the bell pepper cooks a bit.
• Add the raw washed rice, green chillies, salt and 2 cups of water.
• Let it come to a boil and then close the pressure cooker.

Garnish with coriander leaves before serving. Serve hot with salad or raita.