Simple Cauliflower ~ Green Peas Pulav.

Simple Cauliflower ~ Green Peas Pulav ........ Cauliflower and Green Peas are available plenty as it is the season now ...... this is a mildly spiced pulav that goes very well with spicy non ~ veg or vegetarian curry ...... Specially Chicken Curry ......

Once again I would like to mention here that this is a simple pulav prepared while I cook some spicy non veg / veg curry. You can prepare this both a little bit bland or spicier. You just have to add in more spices to make it more spicier, but then the pulav actually tastes better a little bit less spicier complemented with a nice spicy curry. This is my take on the pulav you may increase the spices, as this one goes well in children's lunch box too. Onion is an option, which you may add if desired. I have not. Also if taking this off as packed lunch it is that much better without onions. Try this with a spicy dish and your family I assure will love it. Too much spice both in the pulav and the curry ends up finally in too much of spices and is not good for the tummy nor healthy too. Food should always be in good combination too and should always be cooked with love which then will turn everything simply awesome. 

Ingredients : 

Basmati / Jeera Rice : 2 Cups.

Vegetables: 

Green Peas : 1 cup. You can use either fresh or frozen.

Cauliflower florets : 3 cups. 

Spices :

Jeera : 2 tsp

Cinnamon : 2” length 4-5 pieces.

Pepper : ½ tsp

Cloves : 1 tsp

Green Cardamoms : 4-5

Black Cardamoms : 5-6

Crushed Jaivitri : ¼ tsp

Star anise : 1 – 2

Bay leaves : 2-3

Cury Leaves : 8-10

Salt to taste.

Ghee : 1 cup

Wash and soak rice for about 20 mins. Wash again, drain in a colander and keep it aside ready. Wash and keep the green peas ready too.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add in the peas if not using frozen along with the cauliflower florets and a pinch of salt. Bring to a full boil and cook till half cooked. Keep this ready aside. If using frozen peas, just wash them and add them while adding in the rice. 

Now in a thick bottomed pan, add in the 1 cup of ghee. When hot, lower the heat and add in Jeera, Pepper, Green Cardamoms, Black Cardamoms, Crushed Jaivitri, Star anise, Bay leaves, Curry Leaves and fry for a few minutes. Now add in the drained rice and mix well. 

Add in the green peas and cauliflower along with the boiling water and salt to taste. Mix all well and bring to a boil for 3-4 minutes. Now lower the heat to minimum and cover with a tight lid. Let cook till 70% done. Remove the lid, mix well and again cover and cook till done. Once done remove from heat and keep aside for 5-10 minutes. 

Open and allow the heat to pass away, wait for few minutes, for the accumulated heat to pass away. This will see to it that when you mix the pulav does not mash up. Now just mix the pulav once to get uniformed pulav with the help of a large fork. You may garnish with coriander leaves if desired, I did not, somehow I always fall short on this as they have not much of shelf life and early morning it is not available in my vicinity. Serve this pulav hot with any spicy curry. Tastes simply yumz.