Taheri .. ( Vegetable Pulao from the state of Uttar Pradesh )

A simple delicious and speedy one pot meal which originated in Uttar Pradesh for those lazy days. With the goodness of basmati rice, It’s aromatic, filled with varied spices and vegetables of your choice . With a spoonful of ghee on top, this vegetarian rice recipes makes for a satisfying meal. This one is a must try.

Serves : 4

Ingredients:

2 cups of basmati rice, washed
3 medium potatoes
1 medium onion, thinnly sliced
1 medium tomato, segmented (or a handful of cherrie tomatoes )
1 cup of peas
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 inch of ginger, crushed
Ghee/Oil 4 tbs

Whole Spices:

2 tsps of cumin
4 peppercorns
4 cloves
4 green cardamoms
2 black cardamoms
2 bay leaves
2 sticks of cinnamon

Ground spices

1 Tbs ground coriander powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1tsp red chili powder
Salt as per taste

Method:

Let us Start by peeling your potatoes and cutting them into them into 2-3 cm cubes

Heat some oil in a large pan with lid and fry off your potatoes.

Once browned but not cooked through remove your potatoes and set aside. By frying them off first they’re going to maintain their shape .

In the same oil / ghee you fried the potatoes, add in all your whole spices and gently fry for 2 mins.

Add onions and fry until they start to brown . Now add crushed garlic and ginger and let it cook for 2 mins or till light brown in color .

Add in the pre-washed basmati rice and stir till the rice is evenly coated with the base. . If the onions have absorbed all your ghee/oil, then add a little more.

Add all the ground spices and mix well making sure your ground spices don’t clump in one area by are well spread around the dish

Add in green peas and stir.

…finally, add fried potatoes and tomatoes.

Pour in 4 cups of cold water and bring to the boil.

Reduce to a simmer, add in salt to taste, give one final good stir to make sure nothing’s sticking to the base of your pan and cover
cover and cook the rice over high heat till rice boils .
Now reduce the heat on low and cook rice till soft and cooked .

Garnish with a drizzle of ghee, a sprinkle of fresh coriander and some lime juice.