TOMATO RICE / TOMATO PALAV

Ingredients:

Basmati rice- 2 cups( washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
Finely chopped tomatoes - 2 or 3 large
finely chopped 2 onions
finely chopped green chillies to taste
whole masala (bayleaves,cloves,cardamoms,cinnamon)
turmeric - 1/2tsp
chilli powder to taste
garam masala - 1 tsp
coriander - 1/4 tsp
oil
salt to taste
jeera
chopped coriander leaves
fried cashewnuts (optional)

Method:

Heat oil/ghee in a heavy bottom vessel or pressure cooker and add whole masala,jeera, green chillies, onions and fry for until onions are light brown. Add chopped tomatoes and fry until they are soft. Add the turmeric, chillipowder,coriander powder, garam masala and salt and mix well. Now add the water, bring to the boil.Add the rice and cover the pan and cook. Remove from heat. Garnish with corianderleaves and cashewnuts. Serve with raita and cucumber.