Tawa Pulao

INGREDINTS

Basmati rice(I used regular non basmati variety) 1 cup
Tomato 1
Green chillies 2-3
Onion 1
Chopped vegetables like a capsicum,a carrot, few beans,few florets of cauliflower,few shelled and boiled peas etc
Khada Garam masala like a Tejpatta, few whole black peppers, 1 Star aniseed, 2 Cloves etc
Ginger crushed
Salt as per taste
Turmeric powder 1/4 tspn
Oil 2 tspn (or less)
Method:
Pick and rinse rice for few times with water,till water runs clear
Soak the rice for 15 minutes if using basmati ,otherwise for half hour
Now boil the rice with water and salt and cook it until almost done.But beware not to overcook it
Let the rice cool off completely.You can spread the cooked rice in colander or big plate
Meanwhile in a pan or kadai(whichever bigger in size) take some oil, heat it, and add whole garam masala.
Keep stirring it for few seconds,then add chopped onion and crushed ginger
Saute till onion turns translucent
Add chopped vegetables EXCLUDING CAPSICUM (this is important , since we need capsicum to be crunchy as it gives altogether different flavour to final dish as compared to cooked capsicum)
Saute them, add some salt ( be cautious since there is already salt in rice) ,turmeric powder,chopped green chillies , tomato and let the vegetables cook a bit (do not over cook them)
If the whole mixture appears to be very dry , then sprinkle some water (a spoon or two) and mix Now add boiled (and cooled) rice and mix very gently so as not to break the grains.Now add chopped capsicum
Let it cook on DUM . Keep a griddle on flame and place the pan over it,put the flame on sim ,cover the pan with a plate and keep some heavy utensil above it
As the rice absorbs the flavors of vegetables and spices ,your Tawa pulao is getting ready to be dressed up with fresh coriander leaves , mint leaves ,few drops of lemon juice and to be served with crunchy papads/ curd / Raita or any vegetable Curry .