Vegetable Pilaf A La SJ

Its 6pm already?!

Rice or roti? Had roti yesterday. What do I make with rice? Sambar? nah, gojju? nah, Lemon rasam? Made that just three days ago...nah. Lets see what the ice-box has shall we? Drags herself to the kitchen, opens the refrigerator.

Hmm... comatose capsicum, oh my! those methi leaves are in real bad shape, what do I do with them? Scratches head...bites nail...scratch head again 10mins pass by...

Mmm...maybe its better order Chinese or call Pizza hut..mmmm, pizzaaa...

"Have you gained weight? you look kinda plump..." J's very 'concerned' comment brought me back from my cheese dreamland.

I threw out the pizza hut plans, and continued rummaging the refrigerator.

Ah, 1 tomato- little soft on one side bah who cares just cut that section out. Finally, something that looks healthy- 1 carrot. Just mix all this with some ginger-garlic paste, some spice and dump the rice and give it a fancy name - Vegetable Pilaf a la SJ and dinner is a done deal.

you need,

1 cup rice- cooked till soft, not mushy still separate

1 big bunch methi leaves rough chopped

1/2 onion sliced

2 tomatoes chopped

1 big carrot grated

1 capsicum chopped (you can add red bell peppers and baby corn)

1/2 tsp red chilli powder

1/2 tsp garam masala

1/2 tsp sugar

lemon juice

1 inch ginger, 2 garlic cloves and 4 green chilles- blend this to a fine paste

1 tsp saunf

1) Heat oil in a pan and add the saunf, when it splutters, add the onions and capsicum. Cook till soft

2) add the ginger-garlic-green chilli paste and saute for 2 mins

3) Add the tomatoes and cook till soft

4) add the methi leaves, sugar, red chilli powder, garam masala and salt. Cook till the leaves wilt.

5) add the grated carrots mix well

6) add the rice, mix and adjust the seasonings.

7) Take the pan off the heat and add 3-4 tsp lemon juice (adjust this to your taste)

It does not need any fancy raita, plain curds goes very well this. And its supposed to look real fresh and green, but my methi leaves were in real bad shape (I am talking withered and unrecognizable!).

The real name of this dish is carrot-methi pulao. Its my moms dish, she ain't going to sue me for changing the name!