A Vegetable Pulao for Shabari

This is for my friend Shabari. Read all about her travels on http://www.banjara-shabs.blogspot.com

2 cups basmati rice
½ kg mixed vegetables ( cauliflower, carrots, beans, peas)
3 onions

Grind to a paste
4 cloves
1 ½ “ cinnamon stick
4 cardamoms
4 green chillies
½ teaspoon chilli powder
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 ½ “ piece ginger
10 cloves garlic
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric

Seasoning
2 tablespoons oil/ghee
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons mint leaves
3 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Salt to taste

Garnish (optional)
2 boiled eggs chopped
2 tablespoons halved and fried cashews
Chopped coriander leaves

1. Clean and wash the rice. Soak for 1 hour
2. Dice the vegetables, slice the onions fine
3. Grind the ingredients mentioned.
4. Heat oil in a large cooking dish. Add the bay leaf.
5. Add onions and fry till brown.
6. Add the ground masala paste, and fry on a low heat for 10 minutes.
7. Add the mint and coriander leaves.
8. Pour 4 cups of warm water, mix well.
9. Add the drained rice and chopped vegetables.
10. Bring to a boil and then simmer and cover. In 10-12 minutes the pulao is ready !

Eat with fried papad and spinach raita !

Serves 4 people.