Vegetable, Cottage Cheese and Lentil Pilaf

Rice is an integral part of Indian Cuisine. It is made in different ways in different parts of the country. South Indians like their Tamarind Rice or Lemon Rice. Dal Khichadi, a dish made with Rice and Lentils is famous in the West. People from the East of India love to eat rice with Fish and North Indians love their Pulaos or Pilafs!
The Pilaf I made yesterday is extremely nutritious and healthy. It contains a a whole lot of vegetables, cottage cheese and lentils.

I used Carrots, French Beans and Grean Peas. You can also use Cauliflowers and Potatoes. Cottage Cheese is extremely healthy and a rich source of Calcium. It is easily available now.
The lentils in question were in the form of 'Wadian'. This is a typical Punjabi term. These Wadian are little dried balls of lentils that have been cooked with spices. They are usually made with Urad Dal that is Split Black Gram.
This is soakd overnight and then cooked with whole spices like Black Peppercorns and Cloves. The mixture is then shaped into balls and left in the sun to dry. You can make them at home or just buy them from the supermarket.
Don't worry if you can't find any wadians. Make the Pilaf without the wadian. It will still taste amazing.
Here is the recipe.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients
2 Tbsp Oil
Mixed Whole Spices like Cinnamon, Cloves,Green
Cardamom, Black Cardamom, Black Peppercorns
2 Tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
1 Green Chilly
1 Onion Sliced
2 Wadian
2 Cups Mixed Vegetables Chopped
6-8 Smal Pieces of Cottage Cheese.
1 Cup Basmati Rice (washed and soaked in 2 cups water)
1 Tsp Punjabi Garam Masala Powder
Salt to taste

Method
Heat oil in a pressure cooker or wok and put in the whole spices. Let them crackle.

Crush the wadian with your fingers and add to the oil. Stir for a few minutes.

Now add the ginger garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the sliced onion and slit gren chilly. Cook till the onion becoms slightly golden brown.

Now add all the chopped vegetables and stir for a few minutes.

Add the rice.

Stir the rice for a few minutes.

Add 4 cups water, salt and garam masala powder.
Drop in the cottage cheese pieces.

Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. If you are makin this in a wok then cover the wok with a lid and keep on a low flame till the rice soaks up all the water. This will take around 20 minutes.
Serve piping hot with Mango Pickle and Boondi Raita!

Enjoy!