Rice Pulao With Carrots & Green Peas
grains, indian, vegetables
6 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, chopped
10 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
10 cardamom pods
2 bay leaves
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (opt)
1 1/2 cup basmati rice
3 cup hot water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen mixed peas & carrots
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup almonds or cashews
Heat the oil in a large pot. Saute the onion until soft, and add the chopped garlic. The "splutter fry" the cloves, cinnamon cardamom, bay leaves and turmeric powder for 30 seconds to 1 minutes. Lower the heat and add the rice. Continue to fry and stir until the rice is well coated with the spices and starts to become transparent. Add hot water (exactly double the measure of basmati rice), add salt and cover the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Stir in peas and rice and cover. Check the rice every 5 minutes or so to see whether the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Taste a grain and see. When the rice is done, fry the raisins and almonds in a little oil and mix into the rice. Do not overcook the rice - it will get sticky.
Yield: 4 servings