1 cup basmati rice
1/2 cup sprouted mung beans (ready made sprouted mung are available in most grocers)
1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables
4 small bay leaves
8 whole cloves
one 2" stick of cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon size whole nutmeg
3 tablespoon of clarified butter or oil
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
3 tablespoon of chopped almonds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon of salt or to taste
2 cups of water
Heat a pan with 2 cups of water. When the water comes to a boil add bay leaves, whole cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and turn the heat off. When the water cools strain it discard the spices and keep the water.
In another pan heat the clarified butter, when hot add cumin seeds, when the cumin sizzles add chopped almonds saute for a few seconds add rice saute for a couple of minutes. The rice needs to be well sauteed. Add turmeric, powder, garam masala saute, add mixed vegetables and sprouted mung add water add salt and the strained spice water. Let the rice cook until it is done, takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Serves 4.
This dish is a meal in itself. The sprouted mung beans give this dish a crunch. Serve with yogurt or raita.
