Pulav/ Spiced Rice & Vegetables

Pulav is a very festive rice dish. There is no one in my family or friend circle who does not like Pulav.. It is a sort of safe dish to make when expecting guests and we have no clue what they would like!
Because it is so festive, i prepared for our anniversary yesterday. We has a very good meal and a good siesta too! Love days like those.


Basmati rice 1 1/2 cups
Mixed vegetables (beans, carrots, peas and potatoes) 1 1/2 cups chopped
Red Onion 1 medium diced
Fennel seeds 1 tsp
Star anise 1
Bay leaves 2
cardamom 2
Ghee 3 tbsp
Coconut milk 1 cup (optional) + water 2 cups or 3 cups of water
Juice of 1 whole lemon
Salt

For the spice mixture:
Garlic 3 cloves
Ginger 1/2 "
Cloves 6
Cinnamon 1/4"
Coriander 1 small bunch
Mint 1 handful
Green chillies 10 and above

Method:

• Grind all the ingredients in the spice mixture into a smooth paste. Set it aside.
• Soak rice in water and set it aside.
  
• Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or any other pot with a thick bottom. Drop the bay leaves, fennel seeds, cardamom, star anise and stir for a minute.
  
• Add the diced onion and cook till onions are translucent. Combine the chopped vegetables stir and saute for a 5 minutes.
• Add the spice paste and bring it to a boil. Simmer till the ghee floats on top
• Now add the coconut milk/water and bring it to a boil. Squeeze in the lemon and adjust salt.
  
• Combine the soaked rice gently. Cover with a small vent for the steam to escape. If using pressure cooker cover and do not use weight instead invert a small steel glass and reduce heat. Cook till the rice is done.
  
• Serve it hot, preferably with pachadi.