MATTAR PULAO(RICE WITH FRESH PEAS)

INGREDIENT : Long grained rice -300gm. Ghee (clarified butter) - 12 gm. Cloves - 4 nos. Cinnamon - 1 gm. Cardamom - 3-4 nos. Cumin seeds - 3 gm. Turmeric powder - 2.5 gm. Green peas - 240 gm. Hot water - 780 ml Salt To taste.

METHOD : Wash and soak rice in cold water for 30 mins. then drain the water. Heat ghee in a heavy bottomed pan and fry cloves, cinnamon, cardamom pods and cumin seeds for 1 min. Add turmeric and rice and stir over medium heat to boil, and immediately turn down flame. Cover with well fitting lid, and cook for 30 mins.without lifting lid or stirring. Uncover and leave lid off allowing steam to escape.Remove whole spices, separate rice grains with a fork and serve hot with meat or vegetable curries. Time taken -- 40 min. Serves -- 4 to 5.