MatarPulao

MatarPulao is a simple vegetarian dish that can be eaten on its own or served with delicious Pakistani gravies. Keep a bag of frozen peas in the freezer to make this pulao dish even more quickly.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon whole spices (cinnamon, green and black cardamom, cloves, black pepper)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• ¾ cup peas
• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked
• 2 – 2 ½ cups water
• 2 green chilies
• Salt, to taste

Method:

1. Wash basmati rice till water runs clear. Soak the rice for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In the meanwhile, heat oil in a pot.
3. Add cumin seeds, followed by whole spices and bay leaf. Saute for about a minute till the flavor is released from spices.
4. Add onion, and cook till light golden and caramelized.
5. Add tomatoes, and cook for a couple of minutes till the tomatoes are soft.
6. Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes, and then add the soaked & drained rice.
7. Stir 2-3 times and then add water.
8. Bring the water to a boil, and then turn heat to low.
9. Cover the pot and keep cooking on low heat till the water is absorbed and rice is cooked (about 15 minutes). In case more water is required, add a few more tablespoons of water.