Edamame and Cabbage Pulao

What do you do after a party where there is leftover rice? Our leftover rice usually gets converted into different variations of Pulao (Fried Rice). Even when you are in a hurry some spices and veggies can transform plain white rice into an exciting dish. This time my rice makeover was a Pulao with Edamame and cabbage.

Edamame is basically fresh soybeans that has been harvested at the peak of ripening right before the seed has hardened. Anyone who's eaten in a sushi restaurant may have eaten this delicious bean. Edamame may be an acquired taste, but luckily my kids have been happily snacking on these green beans since I first introduced it to them. So I have a pack of Edamame in my refrigerator these days.

I buy it from the local Trader Joe's (look for Shelled Soybeans Edamame- ready-to-eat) available in their refrigerator section. Edamame is the only vegetable that offers a value of protein equal to that of meat and eggs, and is rich in calcium, iron, zinc, fiber, and many of the B vitamins. Click here for a nutrition label.

Edamame adds an extra flair to this Pulao, with its beautiful, bright green color. Makes it more fun for kids to eat and I just love it when my kids say ..."Mommy Mommy ..more Edamame !" Yes, they did come up with this cute rhyme.

Ingredients (serves 3-4)

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup edamame
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• an inch of cinnamon stick
• 2-3  Bay leaves
• a pinch of turmeric (haldi)
• Red Chilli (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 green chilli (optional )
• 1/2 tsp Pulao masala

METHOD

• Heat oil in a frying pan
• When hot, add cumin seeds and let it crackle
• Add cinnamon and bay leaves
• Lower the flame and then add turmeric, red chilli powder and pulao masala
• Add chopped cabbage, edamame, and salt. Cook on high heat for a couple of minutes, then cover and cook on low until done(5-7 min).
• Add the cooked rice and mix it well
• Cook the Pulao for another 3-4 min  with constant stirring over medium heat until all the flavors are well incorporated

Enjoy this protein rich Pulao served hot with a simple cooling cucumber Raita (Yoghurt Dip)!