Cilantro Scented Green Rice (Kothamalli Pulav)

Kothamalli Pulav (Cilantro Scented Green Rice) is a deliciously delicate flavored rice perfect with any meal.  Although named Green Rice, it has a medly of colorful veggies which adds color, flavor, texture and taste. Red Onion Salad, or Raita are perfect sides to this amazing rice, along with any dals or Bean dishes like Rajma I and II, Kadalai Theeyal or other curries, beans and salsa, etc. Kothamalli Pulav is gluten free, dairy free and oil free.

Notes:

You may use any type of rice you prefer - Basmati, Jasmine, Red or Brown, short or long grain, etc. If you use brown rice, the amount of water as well as cooking time will need to be increased.

Your favorite spices and/or herbs maybe added for a variation.

6-8 Servings

Ingredients:

1 bunch Cilantro, about 1½ cups

1  handful Spinach leaves

1 cup Onion, diced

1 clove Garlic, chopped
1 Jalapeño Chile, cored and minced (optional)

½ Green Bell Pepper, diced

2 cups uncooked Rice

¼ cup Carrots, diced

1 red Bell Pepper, diced

1 cup Corn kernels, fresh or frozen

¼ cup Green Peas, fresh or frozen
½ tsp Turmeric
Salt and pepper to taste

2½ to 3 cups Water

Method:

Rinse and soak the rice in fresh water to cover for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse well. 

Process the cilantro and spinach leaves in a blender with 4 tablespoons water to make a puree. You may add a little more water if needed. Reserve.

Heat a large pan (3-4 quart-size) over medim heat, reduce heat to low-medium, add the onion, garlic, chile if using, and bell pepper; cook stirring for 5 minutes over medium heat until the veggies are softened. 

Add the cilantro and spinach mixture, mix well. 

Stir in the rice and vegetables along with the turmeric and add the water - 2½ cups of water for white rice and 3 cups of water for brown. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Turn the heat to low, put the lid on, and cook for 10 minutes for white rice (30 minutes for brown), undisturbed. Turn off heat and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes.

This rice maybe cooked in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot (IP) also. Use the cooker from the beiginning instead of the pan. Follow manufacturer's directions on using the cooker or IP safely. For white rice cook the rice for 5-6 minutes (22 minutes for brown rice) after high pressure has been reached. Turn off heat and let rest. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

Stir gently with a fork to fluff up the rice a bit.

Serve hot with your favorite curries, frijoles, and/or vegetables.

Enjoy!!