How to Make Vegetable Pulao – Aromatic & Flavourful

Ingredients

• 1 cup Barkat Basmati Rice (or another high-quality Basmati)
• 2 cups water or vegetable stock
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 to 4 cloves
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 star anise (optional but adds a beautiful aroma)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili, slit
• ½ cup carrots, diced
• ½ cup peas
• ½ cup beans, chopped
• ½ cup cauliflower florets
• ¼ cup capsicum, diced (optional but adds a slight crunch)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• ½ teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves for garnish
• 1 tablespoon fried onions (optional for garnish)
• a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness