Peas Pulao

      Ingredients

     1 1/2 cups long grain rice

     1/2 cup peas boiled

     1 tbsp. broken cashews

     1 tbsp. soft small raisins

     4 green chillies slit

     1 tbsp. coriander finely chopped

     2 onions cut into strips

     1/2 tsp. cumin seeds

     3-4 pinches asafoetida

     2 cloves

     2 bayleaves

     2 cardamoms

     1" cinnamon

     4-5 black peppers

     3 tbsp. ghee or oil

     1/2 tsp. garam masala

     salt to taste

     lemon to taste

     Method :

       1.Wash and soak rice in salted water for 30 minutes.

        2.Heat oil, fry onions till crisp. Drain.

        3.Fry cashews till light brown, drain, keep aside.

        4.Add cumin seeds to remaining oil, allow to splutter.

        5.Add asafoetida, cloves, bayleaves, cardamoms, cinnamon, peppers, stir.

        6.Add green chillies, drained rice, stir gently till well coated. Add raisins.

        7.Add 6 cups water, bring to a boil. Simmer covered till 3/4 done.

        8.Add more water if required.

        9.Add peas, fried cashew, onions (save some for garnish), garam masala, salt and lemon to taste.

       10.Stir gently with a spatula. Cover and finish off cooking till all water evaporates.

       11.Garnish with coriander and some saved fried onions.

       12.Serve hot with kadhi or a spicy curry.

     Making time: 30 minutes

     Makes: 6 servings

     Shelflife: best fresh

     Variation: Substitute peas for chopped baby corn, carrots or beans.