RECIPE: Microwave Mushroom and Peas Pulao

With a toddler in tow, I am constantly on the look out for quick and easy ways to do everything, especially cooking. This Microwave Pulao recipe is quick and simple. You can even tweak the recipe slightly and cook the pulao any way you normally do, if time is not a concern for you. 
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Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves 4



INGREDIENTS

1 cup long grain rice
¼ cup mushrooms
¼ cup frozen peas*
2 cardamom (elaichi) 
2 cloves
1" piece cinnamon
1 tsp jeera
2 bay leaves
1 tsp garlic-ginger paste
2 medium Onions (finely chopped)
2-3 green chillies (slit lengthwise)
A pinch of turmeric (optional)
½ tsp chilli powder (optional)
3-4 drops lemon juice
1½ or 2 cups water**
Salt to taste 
1½ tbsp ghee




METHOD
  1. Soak the rice in water with a little salt, lemon juice and half of the chopped onion, for about 30 minutes.
  2. Chop the mushrooms, add a pinch of salt and pinch of turmeric powder. Mix well and keep aside for later.
  3. Defrost the green peas.
  4. Take the ghee in a microwave cooker and add to it the cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, jeera and bay leaves. Microwave at high for 1 minute.
  5. Add the remaining onions, the garlic-ginger paste and slit chillies. Mix well and microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  6. Add the turmeric powder and chilli powder and mix well. 
  7. Add the mushrooms and peas. Mix and microwave on high for 1 minute.
  8. Add the soaked rice, along with the water and onions and mix well. Microwave covered, at 100% (high) for 15 minutes. 
  9. Allow to stand (without opening the lid) for 5 minutes before serving.
  10. Serve hot with any raita or gravy of your choice.

*If dried peas are used, soak them overnight and partially cook them first
**Adjust the water according to the instructions on the pack if any. Generally, the ratio is 2 cups water for 1 cup rice. However, I used locally available rice which I have cooked before, so I knew from experience that I would need only 1½ cups water. 

Ideas and tips
  • I have used only mushrooms and peas. You can use any other vegetables of your choice. 
  • Adjust the number of chillies used according to their pungency or to suit your palate.
  • If you do not like spice, you can leave out the chilli powder. I added it only because I was craving spicy food.
  • I have used turmeric powder only for aesthetic purposes. I cannot accept white pulao! You can omit it or add more if you wish. 
  • I have used the Milton microwave cooker, but it should turn out okay in any microwave safe dish. 

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