Vegetarian Pulao (Suvir Saran)

Pulao : Sautee the rice with spices, onion, vegetables. Sauteeing helps to keep the grains seperate. Water is added, and rice is cooked - on the stove, and then in the oven. Baking helps form the crispy browned rice on the bottom of the casserole.

Rice - 2 cups. Water - 4 1/2 cups

Soak rice for 20 min. Drain rice, and reserve the water.

Preheat oven to 350 degress

Combine
Oil
Cinammon Stick - 1 inch
Cumin - 1 tsp
Cloves - 8
Peppercorns - 10

in a large oven proof casserole. Cook until cinnamon unfurls

Add
Potatoes - 2 medium, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch squares

cook until edges are transclucent, 3-4 min.

Add

Turmeric - 3/4 tsp
Green chili - 1

Stir 30 sec

Add
Peas - 1 package (10 oz) frozen
Cayenne peperr - 1/4 tsp

Add drained rice and cook, stirring, for 1 min.

Add
Garam Masala - 3/4 tsp
Salt
Reserve soaking water.

Bring to a boil. Give rice a stir. Turn heat down, and simmer vigorously, covered, until the entire water is absorbed, and the rice is cooked through - 10 min. Five min into, stir gently as to distribute the potatoes and peas.

Put the casserole in the oven and bake 10 min. Remove and let rest 5 min.

Garnish with chopped cilantro