One of the most popular cuisines prepared with rice in Nepal is pulao. It is usually served in parties or special occasions and the parties doesn’t seem to be complete if there is no pulao in the menu to be enjoyed by the guests. Pulao is prepared by basmati (rice grains that has fragrance and is one of the most delicious as well as expensive types of rice grains) rice, however, regular rice also serves as an alternative in absence of basmati.

Ingredients:

1 and ¼ cups uncooked rice

1 and ½ tsp vegetable oil

½ cup green peas

1 medium sized finely chopped onion

½ large sized, chopped tomato

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ tsp finely chopped ginger or paste

1 tsp finely chopped garlic or paste

¼ tsp turmeric powder

1/3 tsp cumin

¼ tsp cinnamon

1 bay leaf

2 whole cloves

2 black cardamom pods

2-3 green chilies (chopped or sliced according to taste)

Salt to taste

Procedure:

First of all, rinse the rice thoroughly and let it soak in water for about 45 minutes. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a pan and when the oil is heated, add cumin seeds and let it turn dark. Then, add turmeric, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods and cinnamon. Now, add ginger, garlic and chilies and cook it on medium heat for a minute. After that, add onion, tomato and green peas and cook for three minutes. Take the bowl with the rice and drain the water out of it. Then, add the rice to the pan and stir it gently and thoroughly combine everything. Now, add 2 and ½ cup of water and add salt according to your taste. Cook it on high heat and keep gently stirring continuously. Add lemon juice when the water is almost absorbed.

Now, lower the heat, cover the pan and allow it to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the rice is completely cooked. Serve the hot pulao with daal or meat and enjoy the special occasions with your family or friends.