MUMMEPRENEUR

INGREDIENTS

1 cup long grain rice ¼ cup mushrooms ¼ cup frozen peas* 2 cardamom (elaichi)  2 cloves 1″ piece cinnamon 1 tsp jeera 2 bay leaves 1 tsp garlic-ginger paste

2 medium Onions (finely chopped) 2-3 green chillies (slit lengthwise) A pinch of turmeric (optional) ½ tsp chilli powder (optional) 3-4 drops lemon juice 1½ or 2 cups water** Salt to taste  1½ tbsp ghee

1. Soak the rice in water with a little salt, lemon juice and half of the chopped onion, for about 30 minutes.
2. Chop the mushrooms, add a pinch of salt and pinch of turmeric powder. Mix well and keep aside for later.
3. Defrost the green peas.
4. Take the ghee in a microwave cooker and add to it the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, jeera and bay leaves. Microwave at high for 1 minute.
5. Add the remaining onions, the garlic-ginger paste and slit chillies. Mix well and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
6. Add the turmeric powder and chilli powder and mix well. 
7. Add the mushrooms and peas. Mix and microwave on high for 1 minute.
8. Add the soaked rice, along with the water and onions and mix well. Microwave covered, at 100% (high) for 15 minutes. 
9. Allow to stand (without opening the lid) for 5 minutes before serving.
10. Serve hot with any raita or gravy of your choice.

*If dried peas are used, soak them overnight and partially cook them first

**Adjust the water according to the instructions on the pack if any. Generally, the ratio is 2 cups water for 1 cup rice. However, I used locally available rice which I have cooked before, so I knew from experience that I would need only 1½ cups water. 

• I have used only mushrooms and peas. You can use any other vegetables of your choice. 
• Adjust the number of chillies used according to their pungency or to suit your palate.
• If you do not like spice, you can leave out the chilli powder. I added it only because I was craving spicy food.
• I have used turmeric powder only for aesthetic purposes. I cannot accept white pulao! You can omit it or add more if you wish. 
• I have used the Milton microwave cooker, but it should turn out okay in any microwave safe dish.