PULAO - CHANAN JI DAL (Sindhi Pulao Chana Dal)

FOR PULAO
Ingredients:
Rice .......... 1 cup
Onion ....... 1 big or 2 small (sliced)
Ginger garlic paste ..... 1 tbsp.
Green chillies .....1-2 (slit)
Turmeric powder ...... 1/4 tsp
Salt
Oil
For garnishing .... Chopped nuts.
( Crush the following Garam masala coarsely, except bay leaf and cinnamon)
Green cardamoms ..... 2-3
Black cardamom ..... 1
Cloves ...................... 2-3
Cinnamon stick ......... 1 inch piece
Caraway seeds ........... 1 tsp.
Aniseed (saunf).......... 1/2 tsp.
Black pepper corns........... 1/2 tsp.
Coriander seeds .................. 1 /2 tsp
Bay leaf .............. 1
Method:

1. Wash and soak the rice.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan and fry the sliced onion till brown in colour. Add the ginger garlic paste and a little water and simmer it for 5 minutes. 3.In a pan heat 2 tbsp. oil and add the crushed garam masalas. Stir fry on low flame for half a minute and add the fried onion, green chillies, salt and turmeric.
4. Now put the rice and mix well. Add 2 cups of water and cook the rice till done.Garnish the pulao with chopped nuts.
This pulao can be served with Chana dal, Sai bhaji (see recipe) or any non-veg dish.
CHANA DAL

Ingredients:
Chana dal ..... 1/2 cup
Onions .......... 1 medium sized
Potato .... 1 (optional) Cut into big pieces.
Tomato ......... 1
Green chilli .. 1
Ginger garlic paste .... 1 tsp.
Cardamoms ........... 2
Turmeric powder .... 1/4 tsp.
Coriander powder .... 1/2 tsp.
Cumin powder ......... 1/2 tsp.
Red chilli powder .... 1/4 tsp.
Amchoor powder .... 1/4 tsp.
Salt .... to taste
Oil.
Coriander leaves ..... to garnish
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan and fry the onion till brown.Add the ginger garlic paste, green chilli and tomato. Stir fry, add a little water and cook.
2. Add the soaked chana dal, potato cubes,salt and all the dry masala powders. Add enough water and cook till the dal is done.. Take care not to over cook as the chana dal has to remain whole and not mashed up.Just mix it lightly and garnish with coriander leaves.(If using a pressure cooker, cook for 3 whistles)
3. Serve with pulao.