Method
Pulao is a meal on its own. Mum used to make this with leftover vegetables so it's great
for using odd bits left in your fridge. We always have a simple salad of onions, a slice of
lime, salt, green chillies and lauki (courgette) raita with this.
Soak the rice for 20–25 minutes in a bowl of cold water, the water should just cover the rice.
While the rice is soaking, heat a heavy-based pan.
Add the oil and once hot, add all of the whole spices and stir for about 30 seconds. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for a further minute, as it helps the juices to release. Immediately add the sliced onions and keep stirring over a medium heat until they start to colour. This will take about 5–6 minutes.
Add the green chillies and turmeric and cook for another minute, then add all the vegetables and cook for another 5–6 minutes over a medium heat. Keep stirring, if it catches, add a few drops of water.
While the vegetables are cooking, drain the water from the rice. Add the salt, garam marsala and rice to the pan and mix well. Add the hot water and boil over a high heat. Once the water has come to a boil, lower the temperature and cover the pan with a lid.
Let it cook for 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, the rice will be fluffy and you will smell beautiful aromas.
Remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods, stir through the chopped coriander and serve alongside a salad.
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