Vegetable Pilaf (Veg Pulao)

Ingredients Vegetable Pilaf

2 cups Basmati rice (washed till water is clear & drained)2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) or oil2 bay leaves2 tsp cumin seeds2 cinnamon sticks2 star anise8 cloves1 cup onion (finely diced)1 tbsp ginger (grated)1 tbsp garlic (grated)2 fresh green chillies (split halfway lengthwise, optional)1 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp chilli powder1 tsp garam masala1 cup tomato (finely diced)2 cups potatoes (cut into 1 cm cubes)3 cups fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas, corn, etc)2&1/2 cups water2 tsp salt (to taste)

Steps

In a large pot on medium high heat, add ghee.Once melted, add bay leaves, cumin, cinnamon, star anise & cloves, cook for 1 min.Add onion, ginger & garlic, cook till onion turns translucent.Add both chillies, turmeric powder, garam masala & tomato, cook for 5 mins until tomato has broken down.Add potato & cook for 5 mins.Add mixed vegetables, rice, water & salt, stir well.Bring to a boil, lower heat & continue cooking for 10-15 mins or until rice is fully cooked or transfer to a rice cooker & cook accordingly.Fluff rice, taste to adjust seasoning, sprinkle with chopped herbs of choice (I used mint) or nuts & raisins (optional)Ladle into individual plates & serve immediately.