Ghee Rice

Ingredients
Basmati Akki (Basmati Rice):  2 cups
Neerulli (Onion): 2 (sliced length-wise)
Gerbeeja (Cashewnut): 10 (or more)
ONa Drakshe (Raisins): 10 (or more)
Badami (Almonds): 10 (or more)
Pistha (Pistachio): 10 (or more)
Chakke (Cinnamon): 1 inch piece
Lavanga (Cloves): 2-3
Elakki (Cardamom): 2
KaaLu Menasu (Pepper): to taste
Bay Leaves: 2
Veg Stock: 2 tsp
Neeru (Water): 4 cups
Thuppa (Ghee): 5 tsp
Uppu (Salt): to taste
Sakkare (Sugar): 1 tsp


Method
In a pestle and mortar, crush the spices. In a big saucepan or pressure cooker, saute the onions, nuts and spices in the ghee. When browned, add rice and saute till it turns brown too. Add salt, sugar, veg stock and water, cover and cook (low heat) for 15 minutes or till all the water is absorbed. Serve hot.

Pulao (Vegetable Pilaf Rice)

What is Pulao?


Vegetables usually used are Potato, Carrot, Green Beans, Green Peas, Radish, Cauliflower, Greens, etc in equal portions.


Ingredients
Basmati Akki (Basmati Rice):  2 cups
Tharakari (Vegetables): 2 cups (chopped)
Chakke (Cinnamon): 1 inch piece
Lavanga (Cloves): 2-3
Elakki (Cardamom): 2
KaaLu Menasu (Pepper): few
Veg Stock: 2 tsp
Neeru (Water): 4 cups
Enne (Oil): 5 tsp
Uppu (Salt): to taste


Method
In a big saucepan or pressure cooker, saute the vegetables and spices in the oil.When browned, add rice and saute till it turns brown too. Add salt, veg stock and water, cover and cook (low heat) for 15 minutes or till all the water is absorbed. Serve hot with salad and raita.

Kolambu (Vegetables in Pepper and Coconut Gravy)

Kolumbu is very similar to Sambar, difference is that fry the coconut before grinding. Also, use less chillies/sambar powder and add 1 tsp of pepper while grinding. It can be made with different vegetables (either individually or a combination of few together), popular ones are: Green Beans, Bendekai (Okra), Potato + Tomato, Marrow, Pumpkin, Aubergine, Carrot, Moolangi (Radish), Nuggekai + Bedanekai (Drumsticks + Aubergine), BaLekai (unripe Plantain), etc.