Step 1

Wash rice and soak it for about 30 mins. Later drain it and set aside.

Step 2

While the rice soaks, wash and cube the vegetables.

Step 3

Heat oil in a pot or cooker.

Step 4

Add cumin, bay leaf, cardamoms, cloves and cinnamon.

Step 5

When the cumin begins to splutter. add onions and chili.  Fry until they turn golden.

Step 6

Add ginger garlic paste. Fry just for a min.

Step 7

Lower the flame. Add coriander powder, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, jeera powder and salt.

Step 8

Fry these just for a minute.

Step 9

Add all the vegetables including tomatoes.

Step 10

Fry all these for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 11

Add the drained rice and mix gently.

Step 12

On a slightly high flame fry the rice for 2 mins. Occasionally stir. Do not over do else the rice will break.

Step 13

Pour water and mix well. Taste the water and add more salt if needed.

Step 14

Bring the water to a boil on a high flame. Reduce the flame to medium. Cook covered until the rice is done completely.

Step 15

If using a cooker, cover the lid and cook for 1 whistle. The flame has to be medium.

Step 16

When the pressure goes off, open the lid.

Step 17

Add chopped coriander leaves. Gently fluff up the rice and mix the coriander leaves.

Step 18

Keep covered for 5 mins. Serve veg tehri with raita and papad.