Broccoli-Tomato Rice | One Pot meal | Lunch Box Ideas

Lunch box for kids is always a big question with every mom and each of us wish our kids to enjoy the meal.And at the same time,each meal should be balanced with adequate protein,carbohydrate,vitamins and minerals.My headache starts the previous evening itself to decide what to pack the next morning.Lunch box for adult or kids always seeks some interesting yet delicious and filling meal.My elder son loves to eat steamed broccoli and that's how I ended up trying this recipe.Initially when I tried it with only broccoli,my family didn't accept that much as it gave a fried rice like texture and so the demand was to have a gravy/masala along with that version.But when I tried this style,all were happy to have a mildly spiced broccoli pulao and they enjoyed it very much without any sides.I was very happy too with the outcome.Give this a try if you like broccoli florets and enjoy !!

Ingredients
basmati rice 1 cup
broccoli florets 2 cups
water 2 cups
salt to taste

for masala
tomato 2 large
onion 1 medium sized
ginger chopped 1tsp
garlic chopped 1 tsp
garam masala 1/2 tsp
chilly powder 1 tsp
turmeric powder a pinch
cashews broken 1tbsp
chana dal 1tsp
cumin seeds 1/2 tsp
asafoetida a good pinch
dry red chilli 2 broken
salt to taste
oil 3tbsp

Method

• Blanch the florets in hot water,add salt.Let it stand for 15 minutes-20 minutes.Drain the water,wash under running water and leave aside.
• Wash and soak the rice for 20 minutes.Use the same water used(to soak) for cooking rice.Add this water(2 cups) in a cooker and bring to a boil with salt.Add the rice and stir well.Let it cook on medium flame till half done,add the broccoli florets to this and cook until all water is absorbed and rice is cooked(takes 10 minutes).
• In the mean time,heat another pan.Add oil and add cumin seeds.Then add dry red chillies and then chana dal.Add in broken cashews,asafoetida.Slide in the chopped ginger and garlic,saute until raw smell disappears.
• Add the sliced onions and then fry till translucent.Add in the spice powders-chilly powder,turmeric powder,garam masala.Saute until a nice aroma releases on low flame.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until mushy.Add salt.
• Add the cooked rice with broccoli as a top layer.Cover and simmer for 5 mins.
• Mix well and serve warm with raitha or pappadam !!

NOTES
* If you have idli milagu podi,sprinkle on top.Tastes good or enjoy just like that.

More broccoli recipes from this space-
* Broccoli thoran(stir fry with coconut)
* Broccoli mezhukuparetti(stir fry)
* Baked Broccoli Cutlets

For all lunch box/one pot meal rice recipes,click this link.