Pilau with Yogurt Salad - Food of the Gods

I look forward to my death sometimes. Because when I die, the last meal I will eat will be Pilau.

Hospitalized at age seven, due to asthma-related illnesses, my grandmother asked me what I wanted to eat when I got out. "Vegetable Pilau."
Whenever I visit my mom, she wants to know what I want to eat "Pilau."
Whenever I taste cardamoms in chai, I crave Pilau. In fact, besides pickles, it's the most consistent food craving I've had.

This dish is my comfort food and it trumps any of yours.

Because I haven't posted in a while (due to my current employment situation and the fact that I am cooking very little these days), I am going to give you the lazy version of this recipe, but either way, the ends will justify the means. It should take you under an hour. I can do it all in thirty, but I usually get someone else to make the yogurt salad.

PILAU:

3 cups Basmati rice, washed
1 package PC Veggie Chicken Strips
1 can Potatoes (okay, that's the lazy part. I don't make time to peel potatoes. I had a traumatic experience once).
1/2 Onion, chopped
Handful of fresh Coriander
5 Cloves
1 Cinnamon stick crushed into smaller sticks
7 Cardamoms (big and small)
3 Bay Leaves
1 tbls Masala
1 tsp Turmeric
2 tbls Salt
2 cups Frozen peas/carrots/whatever
2 tsps Ginger/Garlic
5 tbls Vegetable oil
Water (this is only quantifiable after all ingredients are in the pot).

I should state that all the quantities are usually eyeballed. So here it it goes: Get the biggest pot you have. On medium heat, add onions and whole spices, let that cook for a couple minutes. Then add the ginger/garlic, chicken, vegetables, and potatoes. Add masala, turmeric, salt. Stir that all up, let it cook for a minute. Then add the rice. Fill with water until the water is at the same level as everything else or a tad higher. bring to a boil, then let simmer at medium low heat for about fifteen minutes or until the rice is cooked. Garnish with coriander.

While waiting for the rice to cook, you can make the yogurt salad.


YOGURT SALAD
Combine the following ingredients:

1 Container 1% Plain Yogurt
2-3 Green Chillies
1/2 Cucumber, grated
Handful fresh Coriander
1 tbls Lemon juice
1 tbls Salt
1/4 of an Onion

Everything turned out okay? Make sure to pour the salad on top of the Pilau. This makes it complete. I also add salt. I don't know what it is, but I enjoy fresh salt on my Pilau.

Now traditionally, Indian folks eat with their hands. However, I only eat one dish with my hands and this is it. It actually improves the taste.

Photos tonight.