Aromatic Peas and Carrot Pilaf for one

This is my very own, 100% original recipe for an authentic Indian "pulao". The word "pilaf" is distortion of the word "pulao" which simply means a rice dish cooked with veggies and spices. This tastes great with a spicy raita, or with plain yogurt. Using margarine makes this a vegan.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 1-2
• Yields: 1 main dish serving

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 small onion, chopped
• 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic paste (You can use minced fresh garlic, to your taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon butter or 1⁄2 teaspoon ghee or 1⁄2 teaspoon margarine
• 1⁄4 cup basmati rice or 1⁄4 cup long-grain rice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 4 -5  peppercorns
• 4 -5  cloves
• 1⁄4 cup carrot, sliced
• 1⁄4 cup fresh peas or 1⁄4 cup  frozen peas
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 3⁄4-1  cup water
•  pepper (optional)

Directions

1. Wash the rice well; drain.
2. Melt butter/margarine/ghee in a saucepan over low to medium heat.
3. Saute garlic paste/powder/minced garlic in butter for about 15 seconds, then add the chopped onions and saute until browned, about 5-10 minutes.
4. Add the rice, cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and cloves to the onion-garlic mixture and saute for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is evenly browned.
5. Now add carrots, peas, salt, and water, stir, bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook, without stirring, until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Uncover and evaporate excess water if any, remove from flame, and fluff up with a fork.
7. Season with extra salt and pepper, if necessary, and serve hot!