Paalak-capsicum pulao

Had some paalak at home, and tried out this quick recipe. It was great for lunch, and was easy on my stomach.

Veggies

Small capsicum (bell pepper) : 1
Palak (spinach) : 25-30 leaves.Let the numbers not bother you. Half a bunch will do.
Tomato: 2 small tomatoes
Chillies: 2-3 (depending on your taste and the variety of the spice)
Onions: 1 big onion
Ginger: 1/2 inch finely chopped
Garlic (optional): 2-cloves

Masala:
Cumin (zeera) seeds: 1/2 tsp
Cloves: 2
Cardamom: Seeds from 1 pod, with the seeds removed.
Cinnamon: half a stick
Garam masala: half teaspoon
salt: to taste
sugar: 1/2 tbsp
Turmeric: 1/4 tsp
Kasuri methi: 1 tbsp

Rice (cleaned and washed): 1 cup
Oil: 1 tbsp
Water: 11/2 cup

Procedure:

Chop all the veggies except spinach.

Clean the spinach and boil it in water. Wash it with cold water, and add it to the mixer, along with all the veggies except onions. Grind to a fine paste.

Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add zeera. After it stops spluttering, add the cardamom, clove, and cinnamon. Wait for around 10 seconds, and add the onions. Saute till they turn brown. Add the palak paste, and stir for around five minutes on a medium flame. Add the turmeric, kasuri methi, salt, sugar, and garam masala and mix well. Add the rice and water. Close the cooker, and turn off the flame after 2-3 whistles.

After cooling, garnish it with cashewnuts roasted in ghee or butter (Optional).

The dish goes excelent with raaita and papad.