Lobia Pulao

Ingredients

• ¾ cup black eyed peas (lobia), soaked for 6-8 hours and drained
• 1½ cups rice, soaked for 20 minutes and drained
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 2 bay leaves
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 3-4 cloves
• ½ inch cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• Salt to taste
• ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons biryani masala
• ¼ teaspoon garam masala powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves
• Fresh coriander sprig for garnish
• Raita to serve

Method

1. Heat ghee in a pressure cooker, add bay leaves, black peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon stick and cumin seeds, mix and sauté till fragrant.
2. Add onions, mix and sauté till golden brown. Add lobia and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add salt, red chilli powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder and biryani masala, mix well and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add 3 cups water, mix and bring to a boil. Add garam masala powder and mix well
5. Add rice, mix and cook on medium heat till 4 whistles are released. Switch the heat off and allow the pressure to reduce completely.
6. Open the cooker, add coriander leaves and mix gently.
7. Transfer onto a serving plate, garnish with coriander sprig and serve hot with raita.