Vegetable Pilaf or Pulao - An Easy Version

Last day I was expecting a friend of mine for lunch. So I thought I need to make something special for her. She loves rice so I thought the best way to treat her would be by cooking a rice dish for her. When I thought of a rice dish, the first thing that came into my mind was the Vegetable Pilaf. Vegetable Pilaf is among the dishes that I keep experimenting with again and again and againg. :D Until now I did not feel that it was good enough to be showcased. :) This time it came out just the way I always hoped for. The aroma was awesome and so was the texture. We loved it. Here is the recipe for all you guys out there :)

Ingredients

• Basmati Rice, Uncooked - 3 C
• Onion - 2 C
• Carrot - 1 C
• Green beans - 1 C
• Green peas - 1 C
• Ginger garlic paste - 1.5 T
• Green chillies - 3
• Cumin seeds - 1 t
• Bay leaves - 2/3
• Cloves - 4
• Cardamom - 1"
• Star anise - 1
• Mace - 1/2 t
• Turmeric powder - 1 t
• Red chilli powder - 1 t or as per taste
• Water - 3 C
• Salt - to tasste
• Oil/Ghee - 3 T

Method

• Wash and soak the rice for an hour. This will help you cook the rice faster.
• Meanwhile, chop onions and rest of the vegetables. 
• Heat some oil in a large pan and add cumin seeds.
• Add all the spices (Cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, mace, star anise). 
• Saute till the raw smell goes.
• Add onions and stir well.
• Once they are soft and transparent, add the ginger-garlic paste and saute.
• Add the vegetables and stir well.
• Sprinkle salt and cook covering the pan for 5 mins.
• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and garam masala and stir again.
• Drain the rice and add it to this mix and stir well.
• Add water and cook covered for 10-15 mins.
• Now when you open the lid, the aroma that spreads will be mouth-watering.

I guarantee :) Serve this yummy pilaf with a Raita.