Veg Tehri, an aromatic rice and vegetable pilaf - Food Fam Recipes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice ((covered in water and soaked for at least 30 minutes. Drain before using))
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 cloves
• 4 green cardamom pods ((whole))
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-inch stick cinnamon
• 2 tsp fennel seeds ((saunf))
• 1 large onion ((thinly sliced))
• 1 green chili pepper ((like japeno or serrano. Leave whole with just a slit down the middle, or, for less heat, split into half, deseed, and then use. You can fish out the peppers before serving) )
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 medium tomatoes ((pureed. Or use 1 cup canned tomato puree))
• 3 medium potatoes ((cut in a 1-inch dice))
• 1 large carrot ((cut into chunky 1 1/2 inch slivers))
• 1/2 head cauliflower ((separated into chunky but bite-sized florets))
• 1 cup green peas ((I used frozen, but fresh work too))
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock ((or water))
• Salt to taste