Name: Veg Tehri, an aromatic rice and vegetable pilaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups basmati rice ((covered in water and soaked for at least 30 minutes. Drain before using)); 1 tsp vegetable oil; 2 tsp cumin seeds; 4 cloves; 4 green cardamom pods ((whole)); 1 bay leaf; 2-inch stick cinnamon; 2 tsp fennel seeds ((saunf)); 1 large onion ((thinly sliced)); 1 green chili pepper ((like japeno or serrano. Leave whole with just a slit down the middle, or, for less heat, split into half, deseed, and then use. You can fish out the peppers before serving) ); 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 2 medium tomatoes ((pureed. Or use 1 cup canned tomato puree)); 3 medium potatoes ((cut in a 1-inch dice)); 1 large carrot ((cut into chunky 1 1/2 inch slivers)); 1/2 head cauliflower ((separated into chunky but bite-sized florets)); 1 cup green peas ((I used frozen, but fresh work too)); 2 1/2 cups vegetable stock ((or water)); Salt to taste