Dairy-Free Vegetable Pulao

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 cups Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 2 number Green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 number Bay leaf
• 3 number Cardamom pods
• 3 number Cloves
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Plant-based oil
• 4 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. 1Measure 2 cups of Basmati rice and place it in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse the 2 cups of Basmati rice under cool running water until the water runs clear, then let it drain well.
2. 2Place a large heavy-bottomed pot on the stove over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the 2 tablespoons of Plant-based oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 1 teaspoon of Cumin seeds, 1 Bay leaf, 3 Cardamom pods, 3 Cloves, and 1 inch Cinnamon stick. Stir constantly for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
3. 3Add the 1 medium Onion, chopped, to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is soft and golden brown. Add the 2 cloves Garlic, minced, and 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced. Cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
4. 4Add the 2 cups of Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes) and the 2 Green chilies, slit, to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. 5Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon Salt. Cook for 1 more minute, stirring constantly, to toast the turmeric.
6. 6Add the rinsed 2 cups of Basmati rice and the 4 cups of Water to the pot. Stir everything together. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
7. 7Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
8. 8Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with the 2 tablespoons of Cilantro, chopped. Serve hot.

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