Beetroot Greens Pulav

I got a bunch of Organic bunched beets with the greens from my local farmers market. I was debating whether to use up the greens in the thogayal or a variety rice, and finally decided to make a pulao with the beet greens as the star ingredient.

Recipe for Beetroot greens pulao.

Ingredients:

Basmati rice-1 cup

Organic beet green leaves(thorougly rinsed several times and finely chopped )-roughly 1-1.5 cups. (I did not use the pink stalks, as I did not want a very chewy pulao). If you choose to add them, wash them and after chopping it finely, add it to the pulao, after adding the onion. They will require extra cooking time.

Onion -1(finely chopped)

Tomato-1(finely chopped)

Potato-1(finely chopped)

Ginger garlic paste(optional- I made this pulao without garlic).

Turmeric powder-a pinch

Chilli powder-1 tsp

Pulao masala- 1 tsp( I used the MTR brand pulao masala. Feel free to use the brand of your choice. Home made pulao masala would be great as well).

Salt- (as required)

For the seasoning:

Ghee-1 tbsp

Jeera- 1 tsp

Fennel seeds-1 tsp

Bay leaves-2

Cloves- 2-3

Cinnamon powder

Directions:

I generally soak the rice overnight. This would help remove the lectins  in the grains, to an extent. I would recommend frying the grains for a couple of minutes in ghee. Keep the rice aside.

In a large pan, add in the ghee and the seasoning ingredients. Once it splutters, add in the onions and saute until slightly cooked. If you will be using ginger garlic paste, now would be the time to add it.

Add the tomatoes and fry until they turn mushy. Add in the potatoes and the beet greens. Fry for a while. Now add the chilli powder, pulao masala and the salt.

Add 2- 2.5 cups of hot water. Give it a  good stir and close the lid. Use your discretion in adding the amount of water, as I have found the required quantity of water for a pulao like texture to vary between brands of rice and also whether the rice is aged or not.

Once it is fully done, fluff the rice with a fork.

Yummy pulav can now be enjoyed with your favorite side dish.