SPICY VEGETARIAN RICE

Rice....a staple in many parts of Asia. Believed to have first grown in ancient southern China and India, Rice growing was first brought to Japan possibly in the 1st century BC and became popular. From India, it spread to southern Europe and Africa. Staple or not it enjoys a celebrity status, whether you are having it everyday or occasionally. With its flexibility...its unique. Have it steamed, fried, baked....whichever way you wish.

Piping hot white kernels of Rice with a curry of your choice accompanied by some salads....the diabetic me's favourite dream these days. An extreme rice lover that I was....I used to have it three times a day....gone are the golden days. I really thank my patience for living with two rice haters under one roof. I have to constantly think and work on how to feed some rice and vegetables to them. All your effort goes into vein if your family do not enjoy what you cook.

When the situation is this, various types of pilaf and fried rice comes as a saviour. Very easy to prepare, with ingredients available in your kitchen. It was a friday, with some paneer, broccoli, bell peppers, carrot and green peas available at home.... I could think of nothing but this quick and easy Masaledar Rice.

INGREDIENTS :
White Rice : 2 cups
Broccoli : 1[small]
Carrot : 1[medium]
Red n Green Bell Pepper : 1 each
Green Peas : 1/2 cup[small]
Paneer : 1/2 cup[small]
Green Chilli : 4
Curry Leaves : 7-8
Coriander Powder : 1tsp
Cumin Powder : 1tsp
Garam Masala : 1 tsp
Kashmiri Mirch Powder : 1/2 tsp
Cumin Seed : 3 pinches
Salt : As required
Turmeric Powder : 1/4tsp
Oil : 3tbsp

METHOD :
Wash rice properly and boil it, switch off gas when it is 75% done. Drain the water. Place a newspaper on the table and spread the rice on it. Keep like this for half an hour.

Cut all the vegetables small, keep in separate bowls n wash. Cut the paneer into small cubes. Add salt to veggies and paneer. Slit the green chillies.

Heat oil in a frying pan. Keep heat at medium to low.  Fry the paneer pieces till light brown and keep aside. Temper oil with cumin seeds and curry leaves. Add the carrots, fry for 2-3 minutes. Now add the broccoli, bell peppers, green peas and fry for another 2 minutes.

Next, add all the powdered masalas and slitted green chillies. Fold in well and keep stirring for 1 minute. Add the rice, salt as required and turmeric powder. Add the paneer pieces. Stir well for 2-3 minutes till all of the rice is nicely coated with the spiced veggies.

Switch off gas, its done! Serve hot with yogurt/raita and pickles!!