Zucchini Rice

Ingredients:
Cooked Basmati Rice/Leftover Rice - 2 Cups
Zucchini - 3 (Medium)
Onion - 1 (Large)
Green Chillies - 3 (Long)
Mint Leaves - Few Stalks
Coriander Leaves - Few
Ginger-garlic Paste - 1 tbsp.
Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp.
Garam Masala - 1 tsp.
Cloves - 3
Cinnamon Stick - 2
Cardamom - 3
Bay Leaves - 2
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp.
Fennel/Sombu - 1 tsp.
Salt - To Taste
Oil - 2 tbsp.
Ghee - 1 tbsp.

Method:

Wash the zucchini thoroughly and grate it with a cheese grater.Set it aside.

Thinly slice the onions,slit the green chillies lengthwise and keep it aside.

Make a fine paste of ginger and garlic.Set it aside.

Wash the rice thorougly and cook it in a pressure cooker for 3 to 4 whistles.
Keep it aside.

Heat a thick-bottomed vessel with some ghee and oil and add  the whole spices
(cloves,cinnamon sticks,cardamom and bay leaves) and fry for 2 secs.

Then add the cumin seeds and fennel seeds/sombu and let it sizzle.

Add the thinly sliced onion,green chillies and a pinch of salt and saute till the
onions are transculent.

Add ginger-garlic paste and fry till the raw smell leaves.

Now add the grated zucchini,mint leaves,coriander leaves,red chilli powder,
garam masala and enough salt and stir it well.

Let it cook till the zucchini is tender,but not soft and mushy.

Check for the seasoning.Adjust if necessary.

Now add the cooked basmati rice or leftover rice (one day old rice) and mix it
well until the rice,zucchini and the spices are well blended.

Allow it cook for another 5 to 7 mins.Remove from the stove and serve it
hot with brinjal spicy gravy/chicken curry/meat curry/egg curry or raita.


For the health benefits of Zucchini,please visit :
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-zucchini-1313.html