Green Pulav (பச்சை புலாவ்)

Coriander/ cilantro leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Whereas mint leaves are rich in anti-oxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C, E and B complex, essential oils, and minerals such as iron, calcium and potassium. When cilantro and mint leaves are combined, it gives a unique flavor to the recipe. This pulav is made by cooking long grain rice in mint-coriander gravy. Green pulav tastes different and you can prepare it as the main course in a special dinner menu. You can also use it as a lunch box recipe. Lets' see how to make this delicious pulav!

Ingredients:

Green peas – shelled, ½ teacup or 100ml measure

Long grain rice or Basmati rice – 1½ tumblers or 300ml measure

Onions – 1 no, chopped

Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons

Salt – to taste

Bay leaf – 2 no

Cinnamon – 1” piece

Star aneez – 1 no

Poppy seeds – 1 teaspoon

Fennel seeds/ Saunf – 1 teaspoon

Cardamom – 3no

Cloves – 4no

Curds – ½ teacup or 100ml measure

Coriander powder – 2 teaspoons

Cumin powder – ¾ teaspoon

For the masala:

Cilantro/ coriander leaves – 1½ teacups or 300ml measure

Mint leaves – 1 teacup or 200ml measure

Ginger – ½” piece

Garlic – 3 pods

Green chillies – 2-3no (adjust to taste)

Green Pulav (பச்சை புலாவ்)

Method:  Remove the mint leaves from the stalk. Chop cilantro roughly. Wash the leaves in running water 2-3 times. Drain well. Grind ginger, garlic, cilantro, mint and green chilles into a fine paste using the mixer-grinder. Beat the curds well. Add coriander powder, cumin powder and the ground paste to the curds. Mix well and keep aside.

Heat oil in the handi or pressure pan; add star aneez, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and bay leaves and sauté for a minute. Add poppy seeds and fennel seeds and sauté for 20 seconds. Add chopped onions and fry till they start to brown. Add the ground paste-curds mixture and blend well. Cover and cook till the paste thicken and oil separates. Now add green peas and cook for a minute. Wash the rice well, drain and add to the handi or pan. Fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tumblers (400ml) of water and salt to the fried items. Mix well. Close the handi or pressure pan, and cook for 6 whistles or 5 minutes. Switch off the fire. Allow the pressure to subside. Open the lid and gently mix the pulav with a fork. Serve hot with raitha and chips. 

If you like this post, please share it with your friends, followers or contacts, by just clicking the 'Face book', 'Twitter', ‘Pinterest’ or 'Google +’ icons you see below the post. Feel free to post your comment/ feedback. Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!