Tomato Mint Pulao

Time is ticking and I just have a handful of hours to kill before the big day arrives, I am still trying to cook and enjoy foods that I like. I know it sounds crazy but I somehow have been enjoying this journey this time a lot more than the first time. May be it is because of the fact that I am more experienced and know what to expect and hence more prepared. And who knows, this might be the last addition to my family, so I decided to enjoy as much as I can and I truly believe everything is in the mindset, of course taking into consideration my body limitations and listen to it for any signs. Added to this excitement are the warmer days and longer sunshine which makes it even more cheerful. I don’t spend too much cooking but still something fast, yet delicious and use the ingredients I have in my pantry all year around. One such recipe is this simple yet super duper delicious one pot meal, rather one cooker meal that cooks in minutes and can satisfy any finicky eater.

One pot meal ~ Tomato Mint Pulao

Ingredients:
1 cup basmati rice
1 medium onion cut lengthwise
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 medium tomato diced
A few sprigs of fresh or dry mint leaves
2 bay leaves
1/2 cinnamon stick
3 – 4 cloves
A few cloves of garlic
1 cardamom’s seeds powdered
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ghee
2 tsp mustard seeds
1 jalapeno cut in round or per taste
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp of red chili powder or per taste
Salt as per taste

Super delicious ~ Tomato Mint Pulao

Directions:
Heat oil and ghee in a pressure cooker, add mustard seeds, let it splutter. Then add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves followed by onions and garlic. Sauté for a couple of minutes, then add the tomato paste, sauté for a minute then add the diced tomatoes. Add other spices, rice and mix well. Now add water which measures a little less than twice the amount of rice. Add the cardamom powder and all the chopped mint leaves, about 1/4 cup, taste and adjust for seasonings. Bring it to a boil, reduce the flame to medium, give it one pressure and immediately turn it off. Try to release the pressure after sometime slowly but be careful. This ensures the rice grains are separate and not mushy at all. Fluff it with a fork after sometime and once it is completely cool. Do not over mix it. Tastes too good with those whole garlic cloves and all the spices if served as is or even with a side of raita. Enjoy!

Super Easy One Pot Meal ~ Tomato Mint Pulao