Minty Mixed Vegetable Pilaf

I am a big fan of one-pot dishes. They are quick and easy to make with plenty of flavors that they don't really need a side. This minty Pilaf/Pulao/Plav is one such dish that can be eaten as is. The cooling yogurt based side-dish is totally optional.Speaking of which, can you guess what the star ingredient of that yogurt dish is?It is not cucumber if that is what you are thinking.

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice - 1 1/2 cups, soaked in cold water at-least 20 minutes prior to cooking
• Carrot - 1 1/2, peeled and cut into sticks
• Red Pepper - 1/2, diced
• Green Pepper - 1/2, diced
• Corn Kernels - 1/2 cup
• Stale toasted Bread slices - 2, cubed (Optional)
• Fresh or Frozen Green peas - 1/2 cup
• Red Onion - 1, small, fine diced
• Star Anise - 1
• Cardamom - 2 pods
• Oil - 3 tbsp

For the Masala:

• Mint Leaves - 1 1/2 cup, cleaned and chopped
• Cilantro - 1 cup, cleaned and roughly chopped
• Hot Green Chili - 3, vertically slit (Use less of less heat)
• Roma Tomato - 1, chopped
• Red Onion - 1 1/2, small, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, large
• Ginger - 1/2 inch
• Cloves - 3
• Cinnamon Stick - 1/4 of a stick
• Peppercorns - 1 tsp

Procedure:

• In a saute pan, heat a tbsp of oil and add the masala ingredients in this order - cloves, cinnamon, peppercorns, garlic, green chili, onions, mint and ginger.
• Saute until the onions is browned. Add the tomatoes and saute for a couple more minutes.
• Switch off the stove and add the cilantro.
• Cool the mixture and grind to a fine paste. Set aside.
• In the same saute pan, heat the remaining oil and add the cardamom, star anise and carrot.Saute for 5 minutes.
• Add the green pepper, red pepper, corn kernels and green peas. Saute for 5 more minutes.
• Add the ground masala and stir to coat the vegetables.
• Sprinkle salt and check for taste.
• Drain the rice completely of water.Add the rice to the pan and gently mix without breaking it.
• Add water(4 cups for this recipe) and close the lid. Cook on low flame for 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle more water if needed. Stir in the bread cubes, if using. 
• Serve hot with cold Raita(Cooling Yogurt Based side dish)

Makes 3-4 Servings.

Enjoy!