Simple VEGETABLE RICE Recipe

VEGETABLE RICE RECIPE INGREDIENTS: (3 servings approx.)

1 cup / 200g White basmati rice (thoroughly washed & then soaked in water for 30 minutes and then strained)
2 Tablespoon cooking oil
1 to 2 Bay leaves
1/4 to 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds (I have added 1/2 Teaspoon of cumin)
100g / 3/4 cup / Onion - finely chopped
1/2 Tablespoon Garlic - finely chopped
1/2 Tablespoon Ginger - finely chopped
70g / 1/2 cup Carrots - Cut in to small cubes
70g / 1/2 cup Green Beans - Cut in to 1/2 inch long pieces
70g / 1/2 cup Frozen Green Peas
1/2 teaspoon Garam masala
Salt to taste (I have added total 3/4 Teaspoon of pink Himalayan Salt)
1+1/2 cup / 350ml Water
1/3 cup / 50g Toasted cashew nuts

METHOD:

Thoroughly wash the rice a few times until the water runs clear. This will get rid of any impurities/gunk and will give a much better/clean taste. Then soak the rice in water for 30 minutes. Then drain the water from the rice and leave it to sit in the strainer to drain any excess water, until ready to use.

To a heated pan cooking oil, add bay leaves and cumin seeds. Fry for just a few seconds. BE CAREFUL NOT TO BURN THE CUMIN SEEDS. Right away add the chopped onion, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and fry on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until the onions are soft. Adding salt to the onion will release it's moisture and help it cook faster, so please don’t skip it. Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic and fry on medium to medium-low heat for about 1 minutes. Now add the chopped carrots and green beans. Fry the vegetables on medium heat for about 1 minute. Then add the soaked and strained basmati rice, garam masala, salt and fry for another 30 seconds to a minute. Add the water and frozen green peas. Bring the water to a vigorous boil. Once the water starts to boil, then cover the lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook on low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Once the rice is cooked, uncover the pan. Cook uncovered for just a few seconds to get rid of any excess moisture. Turn off the heat. Add the roasted cashews and mix it VERY GENTLY to prevent the the rice grains from breaking. DO NOT OVER MIX THE RICE OTHERWISE IT WILL TURN MUSHY.