GARAM MASALA RICE

Ingredients

1. Basmati rice- 1 cup
2. Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
3. Onion ( chopped)- 1 medium
4. Ginger paste- 1/2 tsp
5. Garlic paste-1/2 tsp
6. Green chili ( chopped)-1 no( or to taste)
7. Carrot ( cubed)-1/4 cup
8. Green Beans (chopped)-1/4 cup
9. Green peas( frozen)-1/4 cup ( optional)
10. Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
11. Garam masala-1/2 tsp
12. Grated coconut-2 tbsp
13. Coriander leaves( chopped)-1 tbsp
14. Mint leaves ( chopped)-1 tbsp( optional)
15. Water- 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups
16. Cardamom powder-1 pinch
17. Salt to taste

Method

• Wash basmati rice,drain well and keep aside.
• Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan,add cumin seeds and let it splutter.Now add onion,ginger ,green chili and garlic , saute till onion turns translucent.
• Now add carrot ,green beans and green peas( if using) and saute for a minute.Add turmeric powder and garam masala and mix well.
• Now add the rice and stir well.Fry this for a minute or two ,stirring continuously.
• Add grated coconut, coriander leaves,mint leaves and water.Mix well.
• Now Add salt to taste.Bring it to a boil.
• Reduce the flame to low .Cover and cook until the rice is done,this will take approximately 15 minutes.( Do not stir in between)
• After the rice is just done,sprinkle the cardamom powder over the cooked rice and switch off the stove.
• Gently fluff up the rice using a fork and cover and keep aside for  5 minutes.Serve hot with raitha.