Matar (Green Peas) Pulao Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1-inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
Instructions:
1. Wash and Soak Basmati Rice:
- Wash basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water.
2. Sauté Cumin Seeds:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add Aromatics:
- Add thinly sliced onions to the pan. Sauté until the onions become golden brown.
4. Add Ginger and Green Chilies:
- Add grated ginger and chopped green chilies to the onions. Sauté for about a minute until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add Tomatoes:
- Add chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts separating from the masala.
6. Add Spice Powders:
- Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix well to coat the ingredients with the spices.
7. Add Green Peas:
- Add the green peas (fresh or frozen) to the pan. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add Soaked Rice:
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Gently stir to combine the rice with the masala.
9. Add Water and Salt:
- Pour 2 cups of water into the pan. Add salt according to your taste. Stir well.
10. Cook the Pulao:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
11. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Garnish the pulao with fresh coriander leaves.
12. Serve:
- Serve the Matar Pulao hot with raita or a side of your choice.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Matar Pulao as a main dish or as a side dish to complement your favorite curry!