Basmati Rice & Vegetables Cooked in Exotic Spices (Vegetable Pulao)

North Indian Vegetarian Main Course Special

Punjabi/Uttar Pradesh Cuisine
Basmati Rice & Vegetables Cooked in Exotic Spices (Vegetable Pulao)
Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

Basmati Rice- 2 Cups

mix of Pure Ghee & Extra Light Olive Oil/Olive Pomace Oil- 1 Tbsp. each

Bayleaf- 2 No’s

Black Cardamon (Badi Elaichi)- 3 No’s
Black Cumin (Shahi Jeera)/Cumin Seeds (Jeera)- ¼ Tsp.
Black Peppercorns (Kali Mirch)- 2-3 No’s

Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)- 1 Inch stick

Cloves (Laung)- 3 No’s

Green Cardamon (Choti Elaichi)- 2 No’s 

Star Anise (Chakra Phool)- 1 No.
Roopak Stores Biryani/Pulao Masala- ¼ Tsp., Roughly Pounded (optional)

Onion- 3 Medium, 1- ½ Finely Chopped & 1- ½ Thinly Sliced

mix of Green Beans, Carrot, Peas- 1 Cup

Potatoes- 1 Medium, Finely Chopped 
Saffron- mixed with Milk (optional)

Method:

Wash and Soak the Rice for at least ½ hour

Heat Ghee and Olive Oil in a Deep Non Stick Pot

Slightly roast Bay leaf, Star Anise, Black Cardamon, Green Cardamon, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Black Peppercorns & Black Cumin till they release aroma

Add Chopped Onions and Sauté

Add Parboiled Green Peas-Carrot-Green Beans-Potato and Sauté
Add the Soaked Rice & Gently Combine

This Fried Rice Mixture can either be transferred to Cook in a Pressure Cooker, Electric Rice Cooker or Simmered in the same Non Stick Pot itself

Tips:
Can add Cauliflower (Gobi), Cottage Cheese- cut in Cubes, Sweet Corn (American Bhutta) etc. as well

Variations: 
Another Method to prepare this Pualo is to Cook the Rice & Vegetables separately

For Rice:

In a Deep Bottomed Pot, Cook Rice Covered with Ratio of 1 Rice:2 Water

 

Check if done with a Fork

For the Spice-Vegetable Mix:

Heat Ghee and Olive Oil in a Deep Non Stick Pot

Slightly roast Bay leaf, Star Anise, Black Cardamon, Green Cardamon, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Black Peppercorns & Black Cumin till they release aroma

Add Chopped Onions, Green Chilli and Sauté

Add Potato and Sauté

Add Parboiled Green Peas-Carrot-Green Beans and Sauté

Add the Cooked Rice & Combine gently

Serve Warm & Fresh with any Flavored Boondi/Cucumber Raita!

Feel free to share your views & do let us know how this one turned out :)