Vegetable Pulao

I have told many times that I love all rice varieties such as pulao, biryani, fried rice etc. So I make different kinds of rice often by adding different flavours. I have already posted a version of Vegetable Pulao, which looks so white as there are no masala added. This is another version which is very flavourful and the secret behind it is addition of Fennel seeds. This gives the pulao a fresh feeling and a nice aroma. I have also added different veggies this time such as potato and bell pepper, which I usually don't add in pulao. You can add any type of veggies you prefer. As usual its a pressure cooker version and simple to make. Try adding fennel seeds if you haven't while making pulao, you will surely love it :)

You need...

1 cup Basmati Rice

1 Onion small chopped

1 cup mixed Vegetables ( Carrots, Capsicum, Potato)

Whole Spices : 1" pc Cinnamon, 2 Cloves, 2 Cardamom pods, 1 Star Anise

3/4 to 1 tsp Fennel seeds

1 tbsp Ghee

3/4 tsp Chilli powder

1/2 tsp Garam masala

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

1/2 tsp Ginger- Garlic paste

1.5 cup Water

Kasoori methi (optional)

Salt

To prepare...

Wash the rice several times under cold water and soak in some water for 30 minutes.

Heat ghee in pressure cooker. Fry the Whole Spices as listed until it leaves a nice aroma.  

Splutter the fennel seeds. Add onions and ginger-garlic paste, saute until they are transparent. 

Now add the vegetable and fry for about 2-3 minutes. Add chilli powder, garam masala, turmeric powder , salt and mix. 

Finally add rice and kasoori methi saute for a minute. Add water and give a stir. Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles.

Serve hot with any raita or side dish.

Homemade Freshly Baked Masala Bread

Freshly baked bread out from the oven is such a wonderful sight. The flavour and aroma of the freshly baked bread is really divine. I have used a basic and simple white bread recipe here. Then I have added some flavour to it by adding the fresh mint and coriander leaves along with some chopped red onions. The green chillies gave a spicy flavour and made the bread more tasty. You can adjust all the masala ingredients according to your taste or add something new such as cumin, sesame seeds etc. I served it with some Mint chutney which was a wonderful combo. This bread is excellent for brunch or as well as snack. It was very soft and delicious. I would be definitely trying out a whole wheat version soon. Let's move on to the recipe now...

You need...

1.5 cup All Purpose Flour

2 tsp active dry Yeast

1 tbsp Sugar

3/4 tsp Salt

1 tbsp Vegetable Oil

1/2 cup warm Milk (approx)

1/4 cup warm Water

1/4 cup finely chopped Red Onion

a handful of Coriander leaves finely chopped

a handful of Mint leaves finely chopped

3-4 Curry Leaves finely chopped

3-4 Green chillies finely chopped

To prepare...

Dissolve yeast and sugar in water. Leave for 5-10 minutes until frothy.

Combine flour and salt. Add onion, green chillies, coriander, curry and mint leaves. Remember to squeeze out any water before adding them and mix in the flour.

Now add the yeast solution to the flour and mix.  Knead the dough by adding milk little by little. Finally add the oil, knead well , make a smooth ball. The dough will be very sticky. Place it in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth and leave it in warm place for 30-40 minutes or until it gets doubled.

After the first rise

Grease generously a loaf pan (5*9). Once the dough is doubled, gently punch it. Make a log shape out of the dough and place it in the loaf pan. Punch the dough and shape it inside the pan. 

Cover the pan with a damp cloth and leave in a warm place for another 30 - 40 minutes. The dough will rise again.

After second rise

Preheat the oven to 375F. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the bread gets browned on the top.

Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. 

Gently invert the pan and take the bread out.  Let it cool completely before you slice. Enjoy the bread with Mint chutney  or with some ketchup!

Notes:

* You can use whole wheat flour instead of all purpose flour for a healthier version.

* You can also add some finely chopped ginger, toasted cumin, sesame seeds etc.

* The rising time of the dough might depend on the climatic conditions.

* It's better to use a non stick loaf pan so that bread will come out quickly.
* Brush with milk or egg before baking for a glazing on the top if you desire.