Vegetable Pilaf (Veg Pulao)

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice (washed till water is clear & drained)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise
• 8 cloves
• 1 cup onion (finely diced)
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp garlic (grated)
• 2 fresh green chillies (split halfway lengthwise, optional)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 cup tomato (finely diced)
• 2 cups potatoes (cut into 1 cm cubes)
• 3 cups fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas, corn, etc)
• 2&1/2 cups water
• 2 tsp salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Steps ---

2. 2

   In a large pot on medium high heat, add ghee.

3. 3

   Once melted, add bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, star anise & cloves, cook for 1 min.

4. 4

   Add onion, ginger & garlic, cook till onion turns translucent.

5. 5

   Add both chillies, turmeric powder, garam masala & tomato, cook for 5 mins until tomato has broken down.

6. 6

   Add potato & cook for 5 mins.

7. 7

   Add mixed vegetables, rice, water & salt, stir well.

8. 8

   Bring to a boil, lower heat & continue cooking for 10-15 mins or until rice is fully cooked or transfer to a rice cooker & cook accordingly.

9. 9

   Fluff rice, taste to adjust seasoning, sprinkle with chopped herbs of choice (I used mint) or nuts & raisins (optional)

10. 10

    Ladle into individual plates & serve immediately.