Tomato Pulao( Tomato Rice) Favorite Indian Bengali Vegetarian Dish

Tamatar Pulao( Tomato Rice)

Ingredients:

• Raw rice: 2 cups
• Shah jeera: 1 tsp
• Bay leaf: 1
• Cloves: 6
• Cinnamon stick: 1"
• Cardamoms: 2
• Onions: 2 (medium sized, finely sliced)
• Green chili-ginger-garlic paste: 1 1/2 tsps
• Mint: 12-15 leaves (Pudina)
• Kasoori methi: 1/2 tsp (dried fenugreek leaves)
• Red chili powder: 1 tsp
• Cumin Powder: pinch (roasted jeera powder)
• Tomato: 2 (large red tomatoes, finely chopped)
• Tomato: 1 (large red tomato, blanch, peel skin and puree)
• Coriander leaves: 1 1/2 tbsps (finely chopped for garnish)
• Salt: to taste
• Oil: 1 tbsp
• Ghee: 1 tbsp (optional) vegan can omit ghee and substitute with oil

Method Of Cooking:

• Heat oil+ghee in a vessel or pressure cooker.
• Add shah jeera, cloves, cinnamon and cardamoms
• Stir fry 30 secs.
• Add the sliced onions and saute for 3 mts. 
• Add green chili-ginger-garlic paste, mint leaves and kasoori methi and saute for 4-5 mts.
• Add red chili powder and cumin powder and mix. 
• Add chopped tomato, tomato puree and salt to taste and mix. 
• Cook for 8-9 mts on low to medium flame, or till oil separates.
• Reduce heat, add the raw rice, mix, saute for a mt.
• Add 3 3/4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce flame and cook till rice is done.
• If using pressure cooker, cook rice upto 3 whistles.
• Remove onto a bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve warm with raita or any curry of your choice.