# Vegetable Pulao A fragrant Indian rice dish cooked with mixed vegetables and aromatic whole spices. # Preparation Time - Prep: 20 mins (including soaking time) - Cook: 15 mins - Total: 35 mins # Ingredients ## Main Ingredients - 1/2 cup basmati rice - 1 medium onion - 1 medium tomato - 1/4 cup green peas (fresh) - 2 french beans - 1 carrot - 1 cup water ## Whole Spices - 1 small bay leaf - 1-inch cinnamon - 2 cloves ## Seasonings and Oil - 1/4 tsp garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp red chilli powder - 2 tbsp vegetable oil - 1 tsp ghee - Salt to taste ## Garnish - 4-5 strands coriander leaves # Instructions 1. Preparation: - Wash rice and soak in water for 15-20 minutes - Drain and keep aside - Finely chop all vegetables 2. Cooking: - Heat ghee and oil together in pressure cooker on low flame - Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves and sauté for 30 seconds - Add onion and sauté until light brown (about 2 minutes) - Add tomato, peas, french beans, and carrot - Stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes - Add drained rice, garam masala powder, red chilli powder, and salt - Stir-fry for about 2 minutes - Add 1 cup water and mix well 3. Final Steps: - Close pressure cooker lid - Cook on medium flame for 2 whistles - After first whistle, reduce flame to low for second whistle - Open lid and fluff rice gently with a fork - Transfer to serving bowl - Garnish with fresh coriander leaves # Notes - Rice to water ratio should be 1:2 in pressure cooker - Use good quality basmati rice for best results - Can adjust vegetables according to availability - Don't skip the ghee as it adds authentic flavor - Can adjust spice levels to taste - Best served hot with raita or curry