Kashmiri Pulao | Sweet Pulao

Kashmiri pulao is a famous pulao in restaurants.I tried to recreate the same pulao at home.This pulao is rich in dry fruits and nuts.It is a delicate,mildly spiced pulao with a hint of sweetness(chopped fruits) and vegetables.Kashmiri Pulao is a one pot meal,can be served just like that or with a simple raitha as side.Saffron adds the color and flavor to the rice but my version is without it.This pulao is very colorful and appealing.All liked it very much esp kids.Try this out & enjoy!!

Ingredients
basmati rice 2 cups
water 4 cups
salt to taste
green chilli 2 slices
frozen green peas 1/2 cup
turmeric powder a pinch
ginger garlic paste 2 tsp
*saffron few strands
*milk 2tbsp 
ghee 2tbsp
oil 3 tbsp

whole spices
cinnamon 2" piece
cloves 4-5
bay leaves 2
aniseed 1
cardamom  3

for garnish
almonds 15-20
cashews 15
pistachio 1/3 cup
golden raisins 1/3 cup
black raisins 1/3 cup
fried onion 1/2 cup(optional)

fruits
pineapple/apple 1/2 cup
pomegranate seeds/grapes 1/2 cup 

Method

• Soak the saffron in milk and leave aside(I haven't used it).Wash and soak the basmati rice for 20 mins,drain water & keep to cook rice(has all nutrients,don't throw away).Keep aside the rice.
• Heat ghee in a pan and lightly toast the nuts one by one and add the raisins.Drain the nuts and dry fruits in a platter.Add the oil and one sliced onion,half moon sized.Saute until golden brown.Drain on a plate.(omit this step if using store brought fried onions)
• In the remaining ghee mixed oil,add the ginger garlic paste,green chillies.Saute until the raw smell disappears.Add the whole spices(listed above) and fry lightly.Next,add the drained soaked rice and thawed peas.Fry lightly by gentle stirring.Add a pinch of turmeric powder.
• Add the saffron mixed with milk mix and 4 cups of water.Add salt as required.
• Cook covered on medium flame until done(about 10 mins).Gently fluff with a fork to see if done and the moisture is completely absorbed.
• Switch off flame and add chopped pineapple,pomegranate seeds and any other fruits if using.
• Finish by adding the fried onions,fried nuts and dry fruits & is ready to serve.

Servings~ 4 adults 

NOTES
* I love the flavor of fried onions and so have added.But the authentic recipe doesn't call for fried onions.
* You can even add half a tsp of chilli powder instead of green chillies.But it may alter the color lightly.
* If you wish to have a white colored rice with fruits and nuts,then omit adding turmeric powder and saffron.I just added turmeric powder as saffron wasn't available.
* You can even add more vegetables like chopped beans and carrots.

For all other pulao/biriyani recipes from Erivum Puliyum,click this link.

Go ahead and give this a try,