Tomato Methi (Fenugreek) Pulao

Would you like to prepare a slight variation to Methi  (Fenugreek) Pulao for a change?
Well, a combo of tomato with methi and dash of spices would do the job!!

A quick, easy and tasty dish prepared under 15 minutes with a combo of rice, fresh tomato or tomato paste and beautifully chopped fresh and sauted  methi (fenugreek) leaves
or dried methi leaves called Kasuri Methi (available in the Indian Grocery store) enhanced with mild spices!

Both the leaves and seeds are rich in Vitamins A, B, C, Iron and Phosphorus. It helps to cool the system.
Fenugreek is one of the most ancient spices.  Fenugreek seeds and fresh Fenugreek leaves have great medicinal value.
A teaspoon of methi seeds consumed in warm water on an empty stomach is supposed to do wonders for the joints and people suffering from arthiritis.
Dried methi leaves, called kasur methi are also used in the preparation of some sabjis and curries and great for garnishing too!

Ingredients to serve 6-8 people

2 Cups Basmati or Long Grain Basmati Rice
2 ½ Cups Water
1 cup Fresh Methi (loose) leaves (finely chopped) OR
¼ Cup of Kasur Methi (dried methi leaves available in the Indian Grocery Store)
1 Large onion
1 Medium Sized Tomato (finely chopped)  OR
25 grams of Tomato Paste
1 Pod finely chopped garlic
1-2 Tsp Garamasala Powder
1 Tsp Coriander Powder
½ Tsp Chilli Powder
1-2 Tbs Oil
1-2 Tsp Salt

Handful of Roasted or slightly fried cashew nuts (optional)

Preparation

Cook the Rice separately in a pressure cooker or cook the rice directly in a pan
Heat the oil in a pan, add the sliced onions, tomato or tomato paste and sauté for a couple of minutes
Add the freshly chopped methi leaves, garamasala powder, coriander and chilli powder
Sauté for a couple of minutes

Fold through the cooked rice (preferably with a wooden laddle) and sprinkle the salt
Garnish with dry methi leaves and dress up the dish with the crunch of the cashew nuts

Note:  The amount of chilli powder may vary based on the palate of the individual!  The amount of methi leaves is also left to the individuals as it may taste bitter if too much is used!
Serve this dish with any Raita!!
Number of serves mentioned is purely based on the number of other dishes being served with the rice dish!