Spicy Coriander Mint Pulao

Here is another recipe for a spicy and delicious pulao. This recipe uses fresh herbs such has Cilantro Or Coriander leaves and Mint leaves along with other spices. It gives a nice green color, aroma and a nice fresh flavor. This is an easy one pot meal that can be served for lunch or dinner along side raita. This is a favorite in my household. The below recipe makes 5 to 6 servings.

Ingredients:

11/2 cups Basmati rice, washed and drained

Vegetables about 11/2 to 2 cups like carrots, green peas, beans.

Water less than 3 cups, may be 2.5 so the rice does not get over cooked.

1 large onion thinly sliced

1 small tomato, chopped (optional)

1 Bay leaf

Salt to taste

2 tbsp Cooking oil

1 tbsp Butter or Ghee (clarified butter)

1 tbsp cashews

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

Make a paste using below ingredients:

1 cup Coriander leaves with stems, cleaned

1/4 cup Mint leaves, cleaned

5 Green chillies or as per desired spiciness

2 garlic cloves

1" Ginger

2 tsp Fennel seeds

5 Cloves

2 Cardamom

1" Cinnamon stick

2 tsp chopped onion

Method:

1) In a heavy bottomed pan, heat oil and ghee (you have to be liberal with oil so the rice does not stick to the bottom). When hot, add onions and cashew pieces and fry till the onion is golden brown.

2) While that is browning, make a smooth paste of all the ingredients listed under 'Make a paste using below ingredients:' using little water and set aside.

3) When the onion is nice and golden, add this paste and fry on a medium heat until the paste is cooked through and you see oil leaving the sides (takes about 10 mins or so). You must fry this paste really well. At this, point add turmeric powder and fry for a minute or two.

4) When the paste is fried and cooked through, add vegetables and stir fry for another minute or two.

5) Now add the rice and gently mix everything together. Add water, salt and check the spice level and mix again. Pressure cook for 1 whistle and then turn off the heat; this makes the rice grains separated and cooks evenly. Serve with your choice of raita.

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