Vegetable Pulao (Pulav)- Using Ground Masala

Vegetable Pulao is one of the popular rice dishes of India. There are so many variations available in the internet. Initially I used to make using the recipe got from my mother. But that was not the way I liked it to be. I used to make few variations and try making it once in a while but never succeeded. 

I tried making 2-3 recipes from Raks Kitchen and just loved it. Recently my SIL made veg pulao and trust me, it turned out so delicious that I had to go for a second serving even though I was full. I noted down the recipe from her so that I can share here. Do try this version and I am sure you all will like it too. The best thing is- you won't bite into the whole spices, as they are ground with other ingredients to form a masala :-)

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice- 1 cup
• Onion, medium sized- 1
• Carrot, Beans, Peas- As required*
• Bay leaf- 1
• Oil- 2-3 tsp
• Ghee- 2-3 tsp
• Cashew nut- 5-6 (optional) 
• Salt- To taste

For the Masala:

• Cilantro/ Coriander leaves- 1/4th of a big bunch (along with the stem)
• Grated Coconut, fresh/frozen- 4 Tbsp
• Ginger- 1/2 inch piece
• Garlic pods, big sized- 2-3
• Onion, chopped- 1/3 cup
• Coriander seeds- 1 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
• Green chilli- 2-3
• Cloves- 2-3
• Cinnamon- 2 inch piece
• Cardamom- 2-3
• Turmeric Powder- 1/8 tsp

*Add one big carrot, beans- 9-11 (I used frozen), Peas- 1/3- 1/2 cup (I used Frozen). You can also add cauliflower florets, cubed potatoes, soya chunks etc.

Procedure:

Wash and soak rice in enough water for half an hour. Then start to prepare the masala.

For making masala- Give a rough to cilantro and put everything mentioned under "For the Masala" in a mixer and grind it, to get a smooth paste.

 Add few tablespoons of water, while grinding. The paste should not be too watery. Now the masala is ready.

Now start chopping the veggies. I cubed the carrot. Cut the beans into 2-2.5cm in length and thaw the peas. Then slice the onion.

Now heat oil and ghee in a pressure pan (or a nonstick pan). Then add the cashews and bay leaf. Fry for half a minute and then add sliced onions. Let these fry until the onion starts to turn brown.

Then add in the chopped veggies- carrot, beans and peas. Mix well and allow it to fry for 1-2 minutes.

Then add the ground masala. Mix well and fry for 2 minutes.

Finally add the drained rice (which was soaking for half an hour) and mix well. 

After 2 minutes add 1 1/2 cups of water and salt. Give a good mix and close the lid and hear 2-3 whistles. Allow the pressure to go down by itself (if you are not using a cooker, then close the pot with its lid and lower the heat to lowest possible and allow it to cook for 15-20 minutes).
Once done, fluff the rice gently, with a fork. Vegetable Pulao is ready!!

Serve it hot with raita. Above measurement serves two people.