Carrot and Peas Pilaf

 Pilaf or pilau is a dish where rice is cooked in a seasoned broth. Here we have cooked the rice in the seasoned broth of our aromatic Indian spices like cinnamon, cardamom cloves and cumin. The added benefits of carrot and green peas are incorporated well into this flavored rice to make it a perfect meal for any vegetarian parties where this can be readily served as a main course.

Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice
1 inch cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cloves
4 cardamom
8 whole black peppercorns
4 tablespoon sunflower oil/ ghee
1 large carrot, peeled and grated
1/2 cup  fresh/frozen green peas
2 cup hot water
salt and pepper as required
Method

• Wash and soak the rice in water for 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and keep aside.
• Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan or wok. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom and black peppercorns.
• Stir fry for 2 minutes and then add the carrots and peas. Stir fry for 3 minutes and then add the rice. 
• Mix well and then pour the hot water. Add the required amount of salt and pepper.
• When this starts to boil cover and reduce the flame. Simmer for 10 minutes without opening in between.
• After 10 minutes remove the pan from heat and leave the rice to stand, covered and undisturbed for 10 minutes more.
• Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve immediately with raita and pickle.