Vegetable Pulaoo (Spicy Rice with vegetables)

2 cups Rice
1/2 cup Moong (green gram) dal
2 medium Onion, cut into rings
4 Tbsp Coconut grated
1" Ginger
4 each Red and green chilies
2 Tbsp Coriander leaves
4 cloves Garlic
2 cups Mixed vegetables*
1 Tbsp Garam masala
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
Salt to taste
2 cups Coconut milk
1 Tbsp Lemon juice
A pinch Saffron
1/2 cup Cashewnuts

*Mixed vegetables - cauliflower, carrots, peas, potatoes, french beans etc

Wash and soak the rice and dal for 1 hour. Drain and cook both of them separately till they are half-done. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, saute onion rings until golden. Keep aside. Fry grated coconut until golden brown. Keep aside.

Grind ginger, chilies, coriander leaves and garlic to a paste. Heat oil and saute vegetables for 5 minutes. Add the ground paste, garam masala, turmeric and salt. Cover tightly and leave until the vegetables are half cooked. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, lemon juice and saffron. Keep aside.

Take a large greased vessel and arrange rice, dal, onions and vegetables in layers. Start and finish with rice. Pour coconut milk mixture over the top. Cover tightly and bake at 300 degrees until the rice is tender. Garnish with cashewnuts and fried coconut. Serves 4.