SPINACH PULAV | PALAK PULAV

Ingredients

1. Basmati Rice- 1 cup 
2. Cumin seeds-1/4 tsp
3. Cardamom- 2 nos
4. Cloves- 2 nos
5. Bay leaf- 1 no
6. Cinnamon stick- 1" piece
7. Cashew nuts- 6 to 8 nos
8. Green chili-chopped- 1/2 tsp (or to taste)
9. Onion -chopped-1/4 cup
10. Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
11. Kashmiri chili powder-1/4 tsp
12. Garam masala-1/2 tsp
13. Oil
14. Water- 1 tbsp ( if required)
15. Salt to taste

For Masala paste

1. Spinach- 1/2 a bunch or 1 cup (packed)
2. Ginger-1/2 inch piece
3. Garlic-3 to 4 small cloves
4. Grated coconut- 1 tbsp

Method

• Cook rice until it is 3/4 th done.Allow it to cool completely.Keep aside.
• Next blanch the spinach.For this bring a pot of water to boil over high heat.Add the washed spinach.Let it cook for 2 minutes.Drain and allow it to cool slightly.Puree the prepared spinach along with the rest of the ingredients for the masala paste( i.e ginger,garlic and grated coconut).Keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan ,add cumin seeds and let it splutter.Now add cardamom,cloves,bay leaf and cinnamon stick.Saute for few seconds.
• Add cashew nuts and saute for few seconds.
• Now add green chili and onion,saute till onion turns translucent.
• Next add the masala paste ,turmeric powder,kashmiri chili powder,garam masala and salt to taste.Saute till oil separates.
• Add the cooked rice and mix gently until combined.( sprinkle 1 or 2  tbsp water if you feel the rice is a bit dry)Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes over low flame.Keep covered for at least 10 minutes before serving.