Vegetable Pulao(Pulav)

* 2 cups rice
* 3 tbsps vegetable oil
* 1 tsp salt
* 1/4 tsp garam masala
* 3 cups water
* 1 small onion thinly sliced
* 1/2 tsp peeled and grated ginger
* A pack (500 gms) mushrooms or frozen vegetables

Wash the rice in several changes of water and leave to soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice well. Chop the mushrooms into 1/8 inch slices. If using frozen vegetables, rinse in cold water and drain well. On a medium stove setting, heat the oil in a heavy pan or pot. When the oil is hot put in the onions and stir fry for about 2 minutes or until the edges begin to turn brown.

Put in the mushrooms or frozen vegetables and stir for 2 minutes. Add the rice, ginger, garam masala. Saute the rice for 2 minutes. Add the water and salt and cover. Lower heat to a low setting and cook for 25 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pot sit, covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Note: Instead of mushrooms and frozen vegetables, fresh vegetables such as Carrots, Beans, Tomatoes and other vegetables can be cooked and stirred.