indianculinarycenter:

Every culture has a comfort food – soup, pasta, roast chicken.   Mine is Pulao (rice casserole, traditionally made with Basmati rice and some vegetables and spices).

It is so easy to make and you can make it in just about 20 minutes.

This dish includes my most favorite vegetarian protein – Paneer.  It is a home made cheese that is so easy to make – recipe one of these days.  You can also buy a packet of it in most Indian grocery stores.

1 onion sliced

2 cups Basmati rice

1 tsp black mustard seeds

6 curry leaves (optional)

4-5 dry green chilies (or jalapenos)

2 tbs. oil

4 potatoes diced

1 cup frozen peas

½ cup split yellow peas

1 lb. paneer diced

2 cups canned tomatoes, crushed, or 2 tomatoes diced

3 cups water

salt to taste

Heat a pot over high heat and add oil.  Add the mustard seeds, curry leaves and chilies.

You will hear the mustard seeds pop – as soon as they stop popping add the onions and sautee for about 10 minutes or until they are golden brown.  Add the potatoes, peas, rice, paneer and tomatoes.  Add the salt and water. 

Bring to a boil uncovered. 

As soon as the liquid comes to a boil, lower the heat to the lowest that your stove will allow and cover.

In 20 minutes the rice should be ready and the liquid should have all evaporated.

Turn off the heat and leave covered for about 10 minutes.

Fluff with a fork and serve hot with yogurt.

Enjoy.

Note: substitute with other vegetables or use chicken and fish.

Be creative.

Until I eat again!