Instructions

• To make this pulao you will need 2 cups of good quality basmati rice, 1 onion finely chopped, 2 tomatoes finely chopped, 1 spoon fresh ginger-garlic paste, 1 cinnamon stick, 4-5 cloves, 1 bay leaf, one serrano chili finely chopped, 1 spoon red chilli powder, 1 spoon coriander powder, 1/2 spoon turmeric powder, 1 spoon garam masala powder, salt to taste, 2 cups of mixed diced veggies such as carrots, peas, french beans, 4-5 spoons clarified butter, 3 water cups, and lemon juice.
• To make this pulao, wash the basmati rice first and soak in water for an hour or so. In a large vessel, add the clarified butter and once it is heated add the whole spices such as cinnamon, bay leaf, and cloves. Let the whole spices crackle in the clarified butter and then add the chopped onions.
• Saute the onions for 2 minutes and then add the fresh ginger-garlic paste. Saute the onions and the ginger-garlic paste for 5-6 minutes till the onions turns pink in color and the raw smell from the ginger and garlic disappears. Also, add the slit serrano chilli at this stage.
• Next add red chili powder, salt, coriander powder, turmeric powder and garam masala powder to the onions and saute again till you get a good fragrant aroma from the spice powders. This should take a minute or two.
• Add the chopped tomatoes and let the tomatoes cook with the onions and the spices. You can also use tomato puree instead of chopped tomatoes. Saute the tomatoes with the onions and spices till the gravy starts separating from the clarified butter and leaves the sides of the pan.
• Once the gravy is ready, add the diced veggies and saute them for a minute. Next, add the soaked basmati rice. Add 3 cups of water to the rice and the fresh lemon juice. Mix everything well and cover the vessel with a lid. Let the pulao cook on low to medium flame for 20-25 minutes. Once the pulao is done, each grain of the rice will be seen as separate and your home will be filled with the delicious aroma of the fragrant rice and flavorful spices.
• Garnish the pulao with fried onion rings and chopped cilantro before serving. This delicious pulao can be served with a delectable yoghurt side. To make the yoghurt side, take 2 cups of plain yoghurt and whisk it very well to make it smooth in consistency. To the yogurt, add about half grated cucumber, salt to taste, a little red chili powder and a little sugar. Mix everything well and also add some chopped cilantro. This yoghurt side balances the spicy flavors of the pulao extremely well.