Vegetable pulav with raita

contributed by Ashita M.

serves 2

Rice:
1 cup basmati rice
1/4 cup water
1 cup cauliflower florets
3/4 cup frozen peas
1 large bay leaf
2-3 cloves
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
salt to taste

Paste:
2 cups parsley, chopped
2-3 green chilies
1 white onion
1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic

Raita:
1 cup plain yogurt
1/2 cucumber, peeled
1/2 white onion, diced
1 tomato, diced
1/4 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped

1. Soak rice in room-temperature water for 5 minutes and drain. 
2. Combine ingredients for paste in a food processor and blend until smooth. 
3.  Heat 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.  
4. Add paste, cook for 2-3 minutes.  
5. Add pre-soaked rice and stir to combine.  
6. Add water, cauliflower and peas. Bring to boil.  
7. When rice is almost cooked (about 10 minutes), reduce heat to low and cook till all the water has evaporated.   
8. Combine ingredients for raita and serve hot.