Broccoli Pulao

- Submitted by Dahlia

(Broccoli Pilaf,  Indian Broccoli Rice Pulao, Broccoli Chawal, Broccoli Sadam, Broccoli Bath, Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Recipe)

All of us are aware of the rich nutrient value of Broccoli. I tried to include it our daily diet in numerous ways. Today's recipe is a simple rice dish which is very flavorful and easy to prepare.  It can be served with some pickle and raita. You can make it richer with some tasty side dish.

Recipe for Broccoli Pulao

Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 20 minutes
Serves – A family of 2 adults and 2 kids

Ingredients

• Broccoli – 1 crown
• Basmati rice – 2 cups
• Oil – 2tbsp
• Ghee – 2 tbsp
• Bay Leaf – 1
• Salt – to taste
• Water – 3 cups
• Coconut milk/Yogurt – ½ cup
• Lemon juice – 1 tsp

To Coarsely Grind

• Whole spices – 1 tsp fennel seeds,  5-6 peppercorns, 1” piece of cinnamon & 1 clove
• Ginger – 1” piece
• Garlic – 5 cloves
• Mint Leaves – handful
• Cilantro – handful
• Green Chilies – 4
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

Method

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice while you get the things ready.
2. Separate the broccoli into small florets. Peel the skin of the stem and chop it into small strips too.  Wash it and keep this aside.
3. Grind all the ingredients under ‘To coarsely grind’.
4. Heal oil and ghee in a heavy bottomed pan . Add the bay leaf. Add the ground paste and fry for a minute. 
5. Add the drained rice and fry for another minute. 
6. Add the coconut milk, lemon juice, salt and water. Bring it to boil.
7. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and cook for 10- 15 minutes till the rice is almost done.
8. Open the lid and mix in the broccoli florets. Reduce the heat to minimum and cover again.
9. Let this steam for the next 5-7 minutes before switching off. Keep it covered for another 5 minutes before opening the lid. This time is just sufficient to cook the broccoli while retaining it crunch, color and nutrients.
10. Gently fluff with the fork and serve.

Serving Suggestion

• This tastes great with some raita and some pickle or chips.
• It also goes very well with paneer butter masala, butter chicken,  curd chicken,  malai kofta or channa masala.

Variations

• Try adding other vegetables like green peas, capsicum, carrot, fenugreek leaves (methi) or cauliflower. 
• You can skip mint leaves if you do not like its taste. 
• Those who love cashews or almonds can grind it along with the other ingredients. It tastes awesome.
• You can skip the coconut milk or yogurt and use just water to cook the rice. However, coconut milk adds a creamy and nutty taste that according to me makes the dish tastier.
• Adding yogurt gives a tangy touch. 

More Recipes with Broccoli

Broccoli Mezhukkupuratti	Microwave Garlic Broccoli	Broccoli Paratha	Broccoli Bajji
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