Tamatar Pulao ~ Tomato Rice

Tamatar Pulao ~ Tomato Rice

Ingredients

Raw rice: 2 cups
Shah jeera: 1 tsp
Bay leaf: 1
Cloves: 6
Cinnamon stick: 1"
Cardamoms: 2
Onions: 2 (medium sized, finely sliced)
Green chili-ginger-garlic paste: 1 1/2 tsps
Mint: 12-15 leaves (Pudina)
Kasoori methi: 1/2 tsp (dried fenugreek leaves)
Red chili powder: 1 tsp
Cumin Powder: pinch (roasted jeera powder)
Tomato: 2 (large red tomatoes, finely chopped)
Tomato: 1 (large red tomato, blanch, peel skin and puree)
Coriander leaves: 1 1/2 tbsps (finely chopped for garnish)
Salt: to taste
Oil: 1 tbsp
Ghee: 1 tbsp (optional) vegan can omit ghee and substitute with oil

Method

Heat oil+ghee in a vessel or pressure cooker, add shah jeera, cloves, cinnamon and cardamoms and stir fry 30 secs. Add the sliced onions and saute for 3 mts. Add green chili-ginger-garlic paste, mint leaves and kasoori methi and saute for 4-5 mts.
Add red chili powder and cumin powder and mix. Add chopped tomato, tomato puree and salt to taste and mix. Cook for 8-9 mts on low to medium flame, or till oil separates.
Reduce heat, add the raw rice, mix, saute for a mt. Add 3 3/4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce flame and cook till rice is done. If using pressure cooker, cook rice upto 3 whistles.
Remove onto a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve warm with raita or any curry of your choice.