Khada Masoor Pulao - Steamed Crimson Lentil Pilaf by India On A Plate

I used a steamer to make my Khada Masoor Pulao & the results were spectacular! Ingredients & Recipe below:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Basmati rice soaked in 1 cup water for 30 minutes
1/2 cup Khada Masoor/Crimson Lentil soaked in 1/2 cup water for at least 30 minutes; the longer it soaked the faster it will cook.
3 cloves of minced garlic or garlic paste
1 tsp ginger-green chili paste
1 bay leaf, 1 star anise, 5 cloves & 1 star anise
1 tbsp cooking/veg. oil
1/2 small red onion - finely chopped
1 small tomato - diced
Pinch of turmeric powder
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp salt or to personal taste
2 tbsp whisked yogurt/curd
Pinch of garam masala
2 tbsp chopped cilantro/coriander leaves for garnish
6 cups water for steamer

Cooking Instructions/Method:
Pour in 6 cups of water in a steamer
Place steamer ring in the middle & bring water to a boil
In the meantime add all the ingredients listed above in a steaming container, as shown in the video, except cilantro/coriander leaves and water for steamer. Mix well and place steaming container in the steamer
Close lid and steam Khada Masoor Pulao ingredients for 12 minutes
Turn off heat & let cooked Khada Masoor Pulao rest in steamer for 20 minutes.
Open lid and fluff up pulao with a fork
Transfer to serving dish and garnish with chopped cilantro/coriander leaves
Wala! Our aromatic & delicious Khada Masoor Pulao is ready to be served!