Vegetable Pulao

This is again a quick fix recipe when i am in no mood to spend a long time in the kitchen and yet crave a spicy full meal. For accompaniments you may have raita, pickel or just plain curd... or maybe eat it as is. This is a spicy version so mellow down according to your taste.
You will need:

• 2 cups basmati rice (Long grained, fragrant rice)


• 4 cups of water for cooking


• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, cauliflower, beans, potatoes) - dice where required


• 2 medium onions - finely chopped


• 2 green chillies - finely chopped


• 4-5 cashew nuts


• 2 tbsp ghee/oil


• 1 tsp cumin seeds


• 1 tsp mustard seeds


• 1 tsp red chilly powder


• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder


• 2 tbsp coriander powder


• 1 tbsp garam masala


• salt to taste


• juice of 1 lemon


• fresh coriander to garnish

How to:

• Wash the rice and keep aside.


• In a pressure cooker heat the oil/ghee and temper the cumin and mustard seeds.


• Add the cashew nuts and cook till slightly brown


• Add the onions and stir fry till golden brown


• Add all the vegetables and spice and stir well


• Add the rice and all the spices and mix well.


• Add the water for cooking, stir once and close the lid


• On a high flame, cook till one whistle and remove from flame


• Open the cooker only once all the steam has escaped. Add the juice of lime and mix well. Serve garnished with coriander leaves.