Matar Pulao

Soak the basmati rice in water for 30 mins. Drain the water and rinse it in tap water for 2 times. Keep this aside.

Heat oil and ghee in a cooker, add clove, cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf, fennel seeds, curry leaves. Saute this for few secs. Add chopped red onion, small onions, green chillies and salt, saute this for 2 mins until it turns golden brown.

Add garlic cloves, fry for a min.

Add mint leaves, coriander leaves and peas, fry this for a min.

Add rice, saute this for a min.

Add water, coconut milk and fried onion, mix well. Check the salt. Close the pressure cooker with a lid and cook for 2 whistles. Turn off the flame. Let the pressure release on its own.

Open the cooker, add lemon juice, mix gently with a fork or spoon.

Serve hot with any spicy gravies like aloo palak and raita. I had with mushroom korma.

Tips You can use ginger garlic paste instead of using whole garlic cloves.

Adding fried onions are optional.

Use lot of small onions instead of large onion, if you want more taste.

If you don't have coconut milk, just use water alone.

Don't break the rice while mixing.

Addition of lemon juice gives a mild tangy taste.

Rice : water ratio is for 1 cup of rice :1.5 cups of water.