Broccoli Pulao

All of us are aware of the rich nutrient value of Broccoli. I tried to include it our daily diet in numerous ways. Today's recipe is a simple rice dish which is very flavorful and easy to prepare.  It can be served with some pickle and raita. You can make it richer with some tasty side dish.

Ingredients

Broccoli – 1 crown

Basmati rice – 2 cups

Oil – 2tbsp

Ghee – 2 tbsp

Bay Leaf – 1

Salt – to taste

Water – 3 cups

Coconut milk/Yogurt – ½ cup

Lemon juice – 1 tsp

To Coarsely Grind

Whole spices – 1 tsp fennel seeds,  5-6 peppercorns, 1” piece of cinnamon & 1 clove

Ginger – 1” piece

Garlic – 5 cloves

Mint Leaves – handful

Cilantro – handful

Green Chilies – 4

Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Method

Wash and soak the basmati rice while you get the things ready.

Separate the broccoli into small florets. Peel the skin of the stem and chop it into small strips too.  Wash it and keep this aside.

Grind all the ingredients under ‘To coarsely grind’.

Heal oil and ghee in a heavy bottomed pan . Add the bay leaf. Add the ground paste and fry for a minute. 

Add the drained rice and fry for another minute. 

Add the coconut milk, lemon juice, salt and water. Bring it to boil.

Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and cook for 10- 15 minutes till the rice is almost done.

Open the lid and mix in the broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to minimum and cover again.

Let this steam for the next 5-7 minutes before switching off. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes before opening the lid. This time is just sufficient to cook the broccoli while retaining it crunch, color and nutrients.

Gently fluff with the fork and serve.