Namkeen

This is again a very simple dish to cook and people from different region cook it in different way. If I am not wrong its called 'Vagharlela bhaat' in marathi and in my house it's called as 'Namkeen'. This is one of the dishes which I can eat almost every day. In my school days I have taken this daily in my lunch box for almost 2 years:) It was a major hit amongst my friends. So here is the recipe...

Ingredients-
Serves 2

Cooked Rice - 3 cups
Peanuts - 1/4 cup
Green peas - 1/4 cups
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1tbsp
sliced Onions- 1 cup
Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
oil- 3tbsp
Kadi patta-3-4
Green chillies (as per taste)
Salt (as per taste)
For Garnishing-
Tomatoes(optional) - 1/2 cup
Grapes(optional)-1/2cup
Cucumber(optional)-1/4cup

Note- Rice should be preferably left over from the previous night or cooked 1-2 hrs in advance. This will prevent it sticking to the pan else it will become too soggy. I have used Basmati Rice but it tastes equally yummy with other rices too.

Method-
In a pan take oil. When its hot add peanuts. Roast it on medium heat for few minutes. When it will become slight brown in color add cumin and mustard seeds. when seeds will start spluttering add kadi patta and chopped green chillies. After 10-15 seconds add onions. Cook it for around 2 min till it becomes golden brown. Now add green peas. Cook it for 2 min. Add salt and termeric powder. stir it well and add cooked rice. Reduce the heat to low and mix it well. cover it and cook it for 2-3 min.if you want to add tomatoes this is the time to add chopped tomatoes. Add and cover the pan. The steam from the rice will cook the tomatoes. They will not become soggy but cooked and crunchy. Sprinkle some green coriander. Sever it hot. I garnish it with chopped cucumber and grapes. And if you don't have cucumber or grapes, squeeze some fresh lemon juice and it will increase the taste. Enjoy!!!