Peaaas--pulll--auu. Words that repeat

Have you ever had this near compulsive habit of saying the name of a dish-- constantly? not for any other reason..but just because it feels so terrific just to say it? :) Well I generally don't belong to this category. However, exceptions prove the rule.  Last week,  I could not help saying the word peas polau. And I did not even realise I kept saying it...to myself...untill I heard myself one afternoon, literally saying it aloud. Sounded as scary as this

Peaaas--pulll--auu ! 

And if I had to trace out why I had started to say this..I would not be able to tell you. However, I certainily can tell you, where that constant repetition of the word led to :) To a dinner table with the very food on it. And you might or might not believe this...but Immedietly after I and R had this, I stopped saying it out. At least compulsively :) 

If I was you, I would be doing the job of devil's advocate. I would have gone,'hmmm it must have been terrible, but she put together this recipe from an internet site'. Aha..got ya :) I actually got the recipe from the internet. Changed it a lot..and trust me it was good. At least for someone who cannot make rice dishes..this was really impressive. And I got a way around to do it without having to measure out the secret ratio of rice: water. What is the magic ratio btw? I never could get it. Never ever. To me it is forever the most illusive ratio. Yet so many people make it. Even if rice is the only they make. And they get it. I led myself to believe I am cursed.

Anyone here is a easy way to get around this problem. And you can use this technique for any rice dishes, which require some sauteeing. Fried rice, pilaf..etc. 

So here is how Peaaas--pulll--auu  ended :)

Ingredients:

A cup of any assorted veggies you can think of. But please do include peas. The name demands it :) 

I used some fresh beens, carrots, corns. Of course, you can use the regular frozen veggies too. Just let them thaw out in water for ~ 10-15 minutes before you use them. 

1 big tomato, corsely chopped.

1 medium onion. Chopped

A handful of cilantro.

3 big cloves of garlic. Grated

half a tsp of grated ginger

1 tbsf of sugar

2 cloves

A small piece of cinnamon

2 cardamon. 

Break these down with a coarse blow. Will help with the aroma.

3/4 cup pf rice.  You can substitute with coucous.

Water as you need to boil rice.

half a tsp of butter. Use oilve oil for healthier option.

Salt and pepper to taste

Peaaas--pulll--auu!

Make rice and let it stand. I am no authority on this matter..but all I do is take the rice in a pot. Fill it up with water. Let it boil. And then strain. So that I don't have to deal with illusive ratios. But I am sure you can find one method that best suits your need :)

In a shallow skillet, heat the butter/oil. Add the cardamom, clove and cinamon. Once it gives off the aroma, add the onions and saute for a couple of minutes. Leave it crunchy. Add the ginger and garlic, tomatoes, bayleaf and the veggies. Saute for a minute or so. Add the rice. Mix it all up. 

Dish it up on serving platter. Garnish with cilantro. That is Peaaas--pulll--auu for ya :)

Happy eating and healthy living!