Spinach pulav

As I mentioned in my earlier post, we experienced some hot summer days last week and this Spinach pulav worked well as a one-pot meal, leaving me lotsa time to enjoy the sun. But ofcourse it is delicious any time of the year.

Here's how I make it:

1 cup basmati rice - washed and drained

2 tsp olive oil

Whole spices - 1/2 inch cinnamon stick, 4 cardamon pods, 4 cloves, 8 black peppers, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

1/2 cup chopped onions

1/2 tsp ginger - garlic paste

1 cup frozen mixed veggies - I use Trader Joes mixed veggies in butter sauce

1 cup spinach leaves - pureed with a pinch of salt and 1/4 cup water

1 to 1 1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp Sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp cumin pwd

1 tsp coriander pwd

1/4 - 1/2 tsp red chilli pwd

Heat the oil and drop the whole spices. Fry for 1 minute, then add the chopped onions and fry about 5 mins. Add the ginger-garlic paste, fry on medium for 2 mins. Add the spinach puree, washed rice and other veggies. Add about 2 cups of water and bring to a quick boil on high heat. Add all the other spices, salt, sugar and lemon juice. Reduce heat to medium, cover and cook for about 10 mins. You may need to add a little more water if the rice and veggies are not cooked by now. Reduce heat to low and cook till completly done. Fluff with fork and serve with papad and raita.