Spicy Vegetable Pilaf

Hello Everyone, I am back again with a quick recipe. I know I disturb you guys a lot with my recipes and pictures..I always keep wondering  " What do i give this man for lunch today ? " Luckily My husband is not a picky eater but a foodie like me. I always wake up late and having only 40 minutes time to prepare lunch for him, That point my BP raises and hands automatically works fast. I just made a spicy pulao to my hubby in just 30 minutes. I just soaked the Basmati rice for an hour ( I do this the moment I get up from bed ) saving time lol.. It came so so so yummy that he left a message saying its so so yummilicious .. Coming to the recipe , I used lots of fresh mint leaves  (ask  how much i love mint !! Fresh and healthy).

Spicy Vegetable Pilaf              

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Serves about: 3-4 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cup of basmati rice/ Long grain Rice
• 1 Large Onion
• 2 Cups Mixed Vegetables (Carrot,Corn,Green peppers,Potatoes,Cauliflower Green beans and peas)
• 1-2 tsp of Red chilli powder
• Salt to Taste
• 1-2 Tsp of Ghee
• 1 tbsp of oil

To Grind

• 20 Mint leaves
• 8-9 Green chillies (Depending on your spice Level)
• 7-8 Garlic Cloves
• 2 tsp of fennel seeds
• 3 cloves
• 3 Cardamom Sticks
• 2 Star Anise

For Tempering

• 1 tsp of ghee
• 1-2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp of cumin seeds

Method

• Before making any kind of rice variety, Soak the rice at least for an half an hour to an hour.
•  Now lets grind the masala, Pulse all the ingredients under table "To Grind " one by one in food processor/ Blender into a smooth paste adding little amount of water. Remove the paste in a bowl and Set aside.
• I have used some store bought frozen vegetables which contains a combination of corn,carrot,beans and peas. In addition to this I added potatoes , bell peppers and cauliflower. You can microwave them for 3-4 minutes and take them in a bowl and set aside . You can use any veggies you like .
• Take a pressure cooker /large sauce pan, Add some oil/ghee in it and heat for a minute. Now add the Cumin seeds and Bay leaves and fry for 2-3 minutes.(Cook on low flame)
• Now add the masala paste to the tempering and fry for another minute . This helps in removing the raw smell from mint leaves and induces the cooked flavors.
• Now add the veggies to it and fry till the masala is all coated to the veggies and add required amount of salt to it.
• Finally add the soaked rice and mix well for another minute. Now add 4 cups of water to it and close the pressure cooker /pan until 1-2 whistles (If using cooker) else until water is all absorbed and rice and veggies are cooked well.
• At the end , Switch off the stove and Serve warm.
• Serve this pilaf with any spicy gravy/Chilled raitha. It was delicious. Do try it and let me know. 

My Notes 

• I cooked this rice using basmati rice. You can cook with any type of rice .
• You can deep fry some bread and cashew nuts and garnish on top of the rice before serving. 
• You can also add some coconut milk to the rice. It gives a rich taste.You can use fresh vegetables too. Provided ,add water to it accordingly.