Simple and Healthy Matar Pulao: A One-Pot Meal for Any Occasion

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1-2 green chillies, slit
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice in water and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, and cloves to the hot oil and let them splutter for a few seconds.
3. Add thinly sliced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chillies to the pan and sauté for a minute.
5. Add green peas to the pan and mix well.
6. Add the soaked basmati rice to the pan and mix well with the peas and spices.
7. Add 2 cups of water to the pan and stir everything together.
8. Add salt to taste and mix well.
9. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the water has evaporated and the rice is cooked.
10. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita or any side dish of your choice.

Customization Tips:

• Add diced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers to the pulao for extra flavour and nutrition.
• Substitute green peas with any other vegetables of your choice.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavour of the pulao.