This is absolute gorgeous dish for entertaining.  It has the heady whole garam masala flavor and aroma and the dal and rice combination is heavenly.
serve this wonderfully aromatic pulao and serve with raita (yogurt salad) and with a side of steamed indian vegetables flavored with our Vegetable spice blend.

Serves 12
Ingredients:
½ cup oil or ghee
7 oz. or 1/2 package Ajika Masoor Dal washed and rinsed with 2-3 changes of water and semi-boiled in 2 cups of water for 15 minuies, drained and kept aside.
1.5 cups basmati rice
1 large red onions sliced lengthwise and fried brown in a wok or a small pan

Spices and nuts to be fried:
1 tbsp. raisins
1 tsp. cumin
1” piece of cinnamon
6-10 peppercorns
6 cloves
6 green cardamom

Spices and Seasonings:
2 tsps ginger garlic paste
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. garam masala

Method:
Fry whole spices/raisins in a large deep pot with a tight lid. Add the a ginger garlic paste and stir. Next add the salt, chilli powder and turmeric. Now put in the washed rice, boiled lentils and 4 cups of water. Stir in 1 tsp garam masala and fried onions.
Put the lid on and cook on a low flame for 20 minutes or till all the liquid is absorbed by the rice.