India, Sept. 25 -- My family was tired of eating palak (spinach) as sabji (vegetable curry). So, I decided to surprise them. One day, when they craved pulao, I mixed palak into the recipe. They loved it and didn't even realise it was made from spinach until I told them later. Now, especially in winter, this palak pulao has become a hot favourite at home. It is health and taste on one plate.

Palak pulao with stir-fried veggies

Ingredients For the Pulao

Basmati rice - 250 gm

A few whole garam masala spices (bay leaf, *cinnamon stick, cardamom and cloves)

White oil - 2 tbsp

Ghee - 2 tbsp

Salt - to taste

Sugar - 2 tbsp

Black pepper powder - 4 tbsp

Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tsp

Spinach (palak) paste - 1 small bowl

For the stir-fried ...