Peas Pulao - Matar Pulao Recipe

Peas pulao is my lo's favorite rice varieties. He loves to pick those sweet and soft cooked peas, eat them first and always asks for more peas :-) This pulao can be done in a jiffy and also tastes delicious. I would prefer using fresh peas over the frozen peas, as the aroma from fresh peas is what makes this dish inviting. I usually pressure cook my pulaos as it takes less time, alternatively you can also make them in pots or pans or even in rice cooker.

Ingredients 

Basmati rice - 1 cup
Onion - 1 big sized, cut lengthwise
Green chillies - 2 slit
Ginger garlic paste -1 tsp
Green peas (fresh or frozen)-1/2 cup
Fresh mint leaves - 15 nos approximately
Coriander leaves - fistful
Salt as required
Water - 2 cups

Seasoning

Oil - 1 1/2 tbsp (or oil + ghee)
Cloves -2
Cardamom -1
Cinnamon -1 inch piece

Method

Soak basmati rice for 20 minutes. Drain the water completely and keep it aside.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add the ingredients mentioned under "Seasoning" section. Saute for a few seconds, then  add  chopped onions, slit green chilli and saute until onions turn light brown.

Add ginger garlic paste and saute for a few more minutes. Add peas, chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves. Give a quick stir. Then add rice and saute until the water (if any) evaporates.

Add 2 cups of water, required salt and bring it to a boil.  Close the lid and cook for 1 whistle in high flame and simmer for 2 more minutes. Once the pressure subsides, open the cooker,  fluff the rice with a fork gently and serve hot with any raita of your choice and pudhina chutney.