3 cups cooked plain white basmati rice
2 tsp cumin seeds
2 green chilis, finely diced (less or more per taste)
1 bay leaf
3-4 black peppercorns
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp red chili powder
2 tsp Swad Tandoori Masala
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1.5 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp butter
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
1/2 a red onion, sliced
1/2 a green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 a red bell pepper, sliced
1/3 cup corn kernels
DIRECTIONS
In a large pot heat the oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is hot add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Add the green chili, peppercorns & bay leaf and saute for 30 seconds.
Add sliced onions and bell peppers, salt, and turn the heat down to medium low and saute for about 4-5 minutes until they are slightly soft.
Add the chopped garlic and saute for a few minutes until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste and cook, stirring continuously, for another 2-3 minutes. Add the turmeric powder, tandoori masala, garam masala, chili powder to the pot and stir for a few minutes. The spices will begin to look dry and clumpy- add 2-3 tbsp of water (one tbsp at a time) just enough to get the spices to move freely in the pot and not be clumpy.
Once the water has evaporated slightly, Add the butter, mix and right when it is almost completely melted, add the plain rice, white pepper, cilantro & corn. Mix everything well- gently folding in the rice. (Tip: if using leftover refrigerated rice- bring the rice to room temperature first or warm it up in the microwave).
Cook until all the spices are evenly distributed. Taste for salt and serve hot!