This Tomato Peas Pulao is a perfect healthy lunchbox recipe! It’s super easy to make and packed with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Seeraga samba rice (a small grained rice rich in fiber, vitamin and minerals)
• 2 tbsp of ghee or oil
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 cardamom pod
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp of fennel seeds
• 2 green chilies
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped mint leaves
• 1 sliced onion
• 1 and ½ teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
• ½ cup of chopped carrots
• ½ cup of green peas
• 4-5 tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Salt to taste
• Turmeric powder for color
• ½ teaspoon of chili powder
• ½ teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1 cup of thick coconut milk
• 1 cup of water
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash and soak the Sambar rice in a pressure cooker.
2. Heat oil or ghee in the pressure cooker and temper with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, cardamom, bay leaf, fennel seeds, and green chilies. Saute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and saute until light golden brown. You can sprinkle some salt to speed up the caramelization of the onions.
4. Add ginger garlic paste and cook until the raw flavor disappears.
5. Add chopped carrots and green peas and mix well for 2 minutes.
6. Add thinly sliced tomatoes, salt, turmeric powder, chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and simmer until the tomatoes turn mushy and release oil.
7. Add coconut milk and water and bring to a boil.
8. Add the soaked rice and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
9. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and garnish with cilantro and ghee.
10. Mix well and serve hot.

This Tomato Peas Pulao is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein. It’s also perfect for meal prepping or packing in your lunchbox.