Microwave Pulav

I'm back after a prolonged break. Been busy at work the past 2-3 months with tax return prep. Now that the tax season is over, I've reduced my work hours greatly.

As a much-needed break, we went on a weekend trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Had a thoroughly good time there - getting soaked in the water park and going on the magical runes quest with my daughter.

Coming to the recipe, I had carried this quick, easy pulav that I cooked in my microwave. The recipe is adapted from Tarla Dalal's Microwave Desi Khana. Here's how I made it:

1 cup Basmati rice
1 tbsp oil
1/4 cup chopped onions
1 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup paneer - cubed
1 tbsp tomato ketchup (optional)
1 tsp salt or to taste
pinch of sugar
1 tsp cumin pwd
1 tsp coriander pwd
1/4 tsp red chilli pwd (increase for more heat)
1/4 tsp garam masala pwd

Wash the Basmati rice in 2 - 3 rinses of cold water. Then soak in warm water for 10 mins. Drain and keep aside.

Combine oil, onion, ginger and garlic pastes in a microwave safe glass bowl. Microwave, uncovered, for 2 mins.

Add the tomatoes, rice, salt, sugar, ketchup and masalas. Stir to mix and microwave, uncovered, for 1 min.

Add the paneer cubes and 2 cups hot water. Stir, cover and microwave for 10 mins., stirring atleast once in between.

Add the frozen peas and microwave another 5 mins till rice is cooked.

Let stand for 5 mins before packing/serving.

This Microwave Pulav goes to the MEC Lunch Box event at Flavors and Tastes. This event was started by Srivalli.