Matar Pulav (Rice with Peas)

Basmati rice is the most loved rice in the north of India. On one hand its a very simple rice to cook but at the same time a delicate one too. Here I am giving you a simple recipe of Rice with sweet Peas and whole spices.

Ingredients: for 4 people 

- 300 gms of Basmati Rice
- 50 gms of frozen peas (if available fresh shelled ones)
- 1 tbsp Ghee/Butter/Oil
- 4-5 bay leaves
- 3-4 black big cardamom
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 3-4 cloves
- salt to taste
- 550 ml of water

Method:

1. Wash the rice two three times until the water is clear and soak it for about 5-7 minutes.
2. Heat the Ghee in a heavy bottom pan and when it slowly starts to smoke, reduce the heat and add the cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Now add the bay leaves, cardamom and cloves and stir them in the ghee for about 30 seconds and let their oils come out.
4. While the whole spices are getting roasted, drain the rice by putting it in a sieve and let it sit there until the water is drained well.
5. Add the rice to the pan and keep stirring it on low heat until it slowly turns a bit goldenisch in colour and then after about 2-3 minutes a time will come when the rice will start to break.
6. This is the time to add the peas to the rice. Mix them very well.
7. Add the water and salt to the pan. Mix it all well and cook it covered on medium to high heat until the water boils.
8. Reduce the heat again, stir the Rice well and cook it covered on medium heat by stirring in between just one more time. It will take about 5-7 minutes for the water to vanish.
9. Close the pan and let the Rice sit and swell well.
10. Loosen it with a fork and serve immediately.