This is a print preview of "Mushroom Peas Pulao | Lunch Box Recipes" recipe.

Mushroom Peas Pulao | Lunch Box Recipes Recipe
by Radhika

Easy pulao recipes such as this Mushroom and Peas Pulao will make a fantastic lunch box recipe both for kids and office goers alike. Pack this pulao for your kids lunch box, I assure you that the lunch box will come back empty and they will be asking you to make it often as well.

As both the mushrooms and peas have high protein content and when combined and cooked along with rice, they will make a hearty wholesome meal by itself which is light on the stomach and yet filling. Along with Mushrooms and Peas, you can also add other vegetables to make it even more healthy.

Also this Mushroom and Peas Pilaf will make a wonderful main dish for any party. If you happen to be hosting one and looking for an easy to make one pot meal, to have your guests enthralled, this is the one for you. Before you begin do check out how to clean mushrooms easily.

Few weeks back, a personnel from Dalmia Continental Pvt Ltd wrote to me asking if I would like to sample their newest introduction to the Indian market, Hudson Canola Oil. As I happen to use their Leonardo Olive oil and know its quality, I readily agreed and the sample of 1 liter bottle was immediately delivered to my home in superbly packed condition.

I have read about canola oil being used as the most consumed vegetable oil in many households across the U.S and Canada when I go through many recipes of their origin. Canola oil promises lowest saturated (bad) fat, higher MUFA to reduce heart diseases, High Omega-3 and Omega 6 content, Zero trans fats and with highest smoking point this oil allows multiple re-use as well.

Upon using it, I found that the oil is not only neutral in flavor but also did not give any distinctive smell or taste to the dish. I'm fully satisfied that this oil is indeed perfect for Indian cooking and you can use it safely to prepare all kinds of Indian dishes involving various methods of cooking like deep frying, grilling, roasting etc.,

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak the rice in water for 10-15 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, chop the onions into julienne, grate both garlic and ginger and keep aside. Clean the mushrooms and quarter them. Slit the green chillies. Chop the coriander finely.

3. Heat a Pressure cooker with oil. When warm add the whole spices like cardamom, bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon and saute for a few seconds till the aroma arises.

4. Now add the onion along with a pinch of salt and saute till it turns light brown in color.

5. Now add the grated garlic and ginger and saute for a minute till you get the aroma. Now add the quartered mushrooms and cook further. The mushrooms will initially start leaving out water as they wilt and soften. Cook till the water let by them dries out and the mushrooms have become brown in color.

6. Add the shelled out peas, slit green chilies, red chili powder, pepper powder, garam masala powder and mix well.

7. Add water, salt, chopped coriander and mix thoroughly. Close with the lid and cook over medium flame for 2 whistles and switch off stove.

8. After the pressure releases completely, open the lid, sprinkle lemon juice (if using) and gently mix taking care not to break the rice. Garnish with more coriander leaves if preferred.

9. Serve hot with any raita.

Notes:

1. I have made the rice in a pressure cooker, but you can also make this in a deep sauce pan. If so, close the pan with a lid and cook over medium low flame for 20 minutes or till the water is fully absorbed, checking in between.

2. You can also use Basmati rice in place of plain rice. If using dry peas, soak them for at least 3-4 hours before using.

3. Pepper powder enhances the taste of Mushrooms. If you do not have replace it with chili powder itself. Make sure adjust the spice level according to your taste buds.

4. You can also use mint leaves along with coriander leaves. But I personally feel that coriander works best for this pulao.

5. Adding lemon juice balances the flavor of the pulao and enhances the taste even more and also it helps in reducing the Acid Reflux some may feel, especially after eating spicy food.