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Vegetable Pulao

Ingredients

1 med. Green Bell Pepper
1 med. Red Bell Pepper
1/4 small Cabbage
2 med. Potatoes
1 large Carrot
2 Plum Tomatoes
1 cup frozen Corn Kernels
1/2 cup frozen Lima Beans
1 cup cooked Chickpeas (kabuli chana)
1/2 cup french cut Green Beans
(you may add anyother vegetables to your taste - like Cauliflower. Do not add mushy veg - like eggplant)
2 large Onions
2 tbsp. Oil
2 cups Basmati Rice
1 tsp. Cumin seeds
1 tsp. Mustard seeds
Salt to taste

Grind to a paste:

1/4 fresh Coconut grated
1/4 cup grated Dry Coconut (copra)
1 small bunch Coriander Leaves
10-12 Mint Leaves
2 Green Chillies (add more if you like it spicy)
1/2 tsp. Turmeric
1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
1/2 tsp. Garam Masala Powder
2 tsp. Pulao Masala
1 clove Garlic
1" piece Ginger

Note:

Pulao Masala - is a mixture of Bay leaves, Black Cumin, Black Pepper, Red Chillies, Lavang, etc. You get a mix of all the ingredients in grocery stores in India, specially in Bangalore. These are the ingredients used by Reddy's to make pulao.

Method:

1. Wash rice well, drain and set aside.
2. Cut all vegetables into even sizes. Slice the onions very thin.
3. Heat oil, add cumin and mustard. When they splutter, add the onions and fry till golden.
4. Then add vegetables, including the frozen ones - except the tomatoes, and fry for 2 min.
5. Add just enough water to cover the veg and boil till cooked 3/4 way through.
6. Add the ground masala and cook for another 2 min.
7. Add the rice, and 2 cups water, let it come to a boil.
8. Add the tomatoes and cooked chickpeas, reduce heat and cover and cook on a low heat for 10-15 min.
9. Serve hot, garnished with coriander leaves, with the accompanying sauce.

Sauce:

1/2 a small Cucumber
1 med. sweet or mild Onion
2 Plum Tomatoes
1 Green Chilli
3-4 Mint Leaves
1/2 a small bunch Coriander Leaves
2 cups thick Yogurt (curds)
Salt to taste

Method

1. Cut the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, coriander leaves, mint and chilli into very fine pieces.
2. Beat the yogurt, do not add water.
3. Add the chopped ingredients and salt, mix well, and let it stand for 30 min before serving.

Bon Appetite!!