I started making this as a young mother when trying to feed a fussy baby. He was such a nightmare to feed that I had to take him to the terrace with his tricycle and he would deign to take a bite after a round of the terrace garden. Or I would stand him before the window and while he watched the children pour out of the school opposite, I would shovel food into his mouth. Peas Pulao was a dish that he liked and it was easier to feed him. This was a way for me to get him to eat rice and vegetables.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)
Basmati rice 1 cup (200 g)
Peas 1 cup, frozen or fresh
Cumin seeds 1 tsp
Bay leaf 1
Black pepper whole 1 tbsp
Cloves 3
Ginger 1″ piece, crushed
Salt to taste
Water as needed
Vegetable oil 2 tbsps

Method

Wash and drain the rice.

Heat the pressure cooker and add the oil.

Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves and pepper. Add the crushed ginger and saute for a few minutes.

Add the peas and rice and mix well. Add salt.

Add enough water to cover the rice and 1″ above.

Close the lid and cook on high heat for one whistle. Reduce the heat and cook for another ten minutes. Switch off the heat and let the cooker stand till the pressure falls. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot with cucumber or tomato raita.