Yes, it is yet another Lotus root recipe on my blog. Can't seem to get rid of my fascination with this exotic and yummy vegetable. So, I keep finding new ways to add it to the everyday menu. And this is just another everyday recipe with the delicious crunch of lotus root.
Biryani or one pot meals are a staple when I end up cooking just for myself. It is much more than plain coincidence when you find more than twenty finger-licking varieties ( including veg and non-veg ) of biryani on my blog. This is yet another addition to the list. I have kept it really light considering that it is something that one can serve as an regular meal (instead of dal-roti/chawal) or even pack some in the lunchbox. All it takes is some raita and a salad to make it a complete meal.
Preparation Time - 25 mins
Ingredients -
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 100 gm lotus root
- 1/3 cup shelled green peas
- 1 large onion
- 1 1/2 tsp GG paste
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 large tomato (freshly pureed)
- 1 tsp chopped mint leaves
- 4 tsp chopped coriander leaves
- 2 green chilis ( slit lengthwise )
- a few strands of mace
- 3-4 cloves
- 1 inch cinnamon
- 3 green cardamon
- 5-6 peppercorns
- 2 tsp poppy paste
- 1 tsp ghee
- 3 tsp oil
- salt to taste
Preparation - Chop the onion into thin long slices.
Wash and soak the rice for 1-2 hours.
Cooking - Peel and slice the lotus root. Soak in warm water for 10 mins and rub them gently to dislodge any mud sticking to the pores. Once cleaned put them in fresh water till required.
Heat 2 1/2 tsp oil in a wok. Add the onions and fry till light brown.
Add the GG paste and fry till raw smell goes away. Add the tomato puree and fry till oil starts to separate out.
Add the poppy seeds paste along with turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder and garam masala. Fry for 1 minute.
Add the lotus root and green peas. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes.
Add the soaked rice along with the chopped mint, coriander leaves and green chili. Fry till the leaves wilt up a bit.
Add 1 1/3 cups water. Add salt to taste. Finally drop in the whole spices, nutmeg powder and the remaining ghee.
Cook on a medium low flame for 1 whistle (approx 12-14 mins). Remove and keep aside for 15-20 mins.
Open the lid and fluff the rice grains with a fork.