Mixed Vegetable & Rice Pilaf

A tasty, hearty, healthy on-pot side to fish or chicken. Light Cooking says: A biryani, and Indian rice-based dish, is an ideal way to improve nutrition by augmenting the grain with a variety of vegetables. Tradition recipes saute whole seeds, pods, or chilies to add complex, understated flavor.

ingredients

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/4 teaspoons coriander seeds
1/4 teaspoons black peppercorns
1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
4 cardamom pods - these are expensive, but I think worth it
3 whole cloves
2 dried red chiles
1 bay leaf
1 cup sliced red onion
1/3 cup finely chopped carrot
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 lb.(2 cups) green beans, cut into 3/4" pieces
1 cup basmati rice
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
3/4 lb. red potatoes, cut into 1-in. pieces
1/4 teaspoons garam masala
3/4 cup frozen green peas

directions

1
- toast 1 teas. cumin seeds in skillet (med. heat) for 2 min. .. cool.... grind
2
- heat canola oil in dutch oven over high heat. add
3
1/2 teas cumin seeds., coriander seeds -bay leaf
4
....cook 2 min., stirring frequently
5
- add onion-beans, cook 2 min., stirring occasionally
6
- add rice, turmeric, potatoes - & 2 cups water - boil
7
- add 1/4 teaspoon salt, ground cumin seeds, garam masala
8
- cover & simmer 15 min./ until rice is tender & liquid absorbed
9
- remove from heat and stir in peas, discard bay leaf and serve