Pulav/Polao

(serves 4)

Ingredients:-

Basmati Rice- 2 cups

Garam Masala (Whole) - 3 of each (Cardamom, Clove & Cinnamon)

Bay Leaves- 3-4
Ginger- 1 inch thick

Turmeric Powder- 2/3 tsp
Sugar- 2-3 tbsp

Salt to taste
Water- 4 cups

Oil/ghee- 2-3tbsp

Cashew and Raisins to decorate.

Method:-

1. Wash the rice and drain out all the water.

2. Cut the ginger in to thin round slices.

3. Add the turmeric powder, salt, sugar and the ginger to the rice and fold nicely. Spread the rice on a large plate and keep to dry for 20-30 mnts.

4. Take deep dense pan or a handi. Heat the oil/ghee. Add the the garam masala and bay leaves. When the whole masala starts to splutter add the rice. Fold nicely and continuously keep on sautéing till the rice gets translucent. Add the water. Taste if more salt or sugar is needed. Cook in medium heat with a lid on. In intervals keep on checking and stirring. When the rice is cooked and the water is dried up add the cashew buts and the raisins. Serve hot with your favourite side dish.

Note:-

1. The measurement of rice boiling in this recipe is 1:2.

1 cup rice = 2cups water.

If you think the rice is not cooked and more water is needed then add very little hot water.

2. Now a days I prefer to cook the Polao in Microwave. The process is same. Just the boiling part will be done in MW. After frying the rice put in the Microwave and cook for 15-20 mnts. The Water and rice measurement will be same as given above. (Updated)

Sending this dish to Priya's Cooking With Seeds - Cardamom Seeds Event.