Ingredients:

• 250 g – Whole Masur Dal
• 1 -medium size Onion (Chopped Finely)
• 200 g – Basmati Rice
• 1 tbsp – Ginger Paste
• 2 Cloves – Garlic chopped finely
• Garam Masala Powder
• 100 g – Green peas
• 2 – Green chillies chopped finely
• Salt to taste
• I – Medium size Cauliflower (Cut into medium size pieces)
• 1 – Tomato, medium size (Chopped)
• 1 tsp – Cumin seeds
• 2 – Bay Leaves
• 2 tbsp – Oil /Ghee / Butter (You can use any of these medium for cooking)

Method:

1. Start by soaking the rice for about 30 minutes.
2. Soak the masur dal for 1 hour or so.
3. You can use even without soaking.
4. Pressure cook the dal for about 10 minutes.
5. The dal should remain whole even after boiling.
6. In a frying pan, heat oil and add the cumin seeds and bay leaves.
7. Then put in the chopped onion, garlic and tomato.
8. Cover and cook for some time.
9. Add the garam masala, green chillies, ginger paste, salt and cook for some time.
10. In a separate pot, boil the cauliflower for about 5 minutes.
11. Add this to the masala mixture and cook for sometime.
12. Add the green peas and the boiled dal and cook for sometime.
13. Now add the soaked rice and cook with sufficient water.
14. Cover and cook on a low heat.
15. Remove from fire and add one tsp of ghee or butter (optional).
16. Add freshly chopped parsley or coriander leaves. Serve hot with raita or simple sala and nimbu ka achar.

Recipe courtesy of Anindita