Preparing the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for about 10-15 minutes to allow it to cook evenly. (Time taken: 10-15 minutes)
Sautéing the Spices: Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add whole spices like cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. (Time taken: 2 minutes)
Cooking the Onions and Ginger-Garlic: Add finely sliced onions to the pan and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. (Time taken: 3-4 minutes)
Adding the Peas: Add the green peas and sauté for another minute. Stir to combine the peas with the spices and onions. (Time taken: 1-2 minutes)
Cooking the Rice: Add the soaked rice and water to the pan, along with salt and ground spices like coriander powder, turmeric, and garam masala. Stir gently to mix everything. (Time taken: 2 minutes)
Simmering the Pulao: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. (Time taken: 15-20 minutes)
Garnishing: Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Garnish with chopped cilantro. (Time taken: 5 minutes)
Enjoy your delicious Matar Pulao, a flavorful and aromatic one-pot meal, ready in under 40 minutes! (Total time taken: 35-40 minutes)
