Broccoli Rice (Indian Style)

Wash and soak basmati rice in 2 cups of water for 20 minutes.

Cook basmati rice along with the water adding 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice.

Once cooked fluff it with a fork and keep it aside.

Heat oil, add cloves, cinnamon, cardamon, saute for 2-3 seconds and add finely chopped onions and green chillies.

Saute until onions turn pink and then add ginger garlic paste or finely chopped ginger and garlic (1 inch ginger and 1 tbsp of garlic minced).

Saute for a few more minutes, then add broccoli florets, finely chopped coriander, mint leaves and salt needed. Cover and cook until the broccoli is fork-tender but still crunchy. (Broccoli gets cooked faster, so keep an eye on it. If overcooked, broccoli becomes soft and mushy and looses its nutrients and flavor. The broccoli should retain its crunchiness, so take care not to overcook the broccoli.)

Once the broccoli is slightly cooked, add the cooked rice and mix well. Serve hot with any tomato based gravy or raita.

If preferred, you can add a little pepper powder.