Chickpea Rice Pulao with Veggies and Pulao/Biryani Masala

For the Pulao/Biryani Masala: Use whichever spices you have. Omitting 1 or 2 spices works fine.

• 5 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns use 1/3 tsp for less heat
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 star anise
• 1 black cardamom
• 2 green cardamoms whole or seeds
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

For the pulao:

• 3/4 cup white Basmati rice
• 1 tsp oil
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 1.5 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 tsp ginger paste
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1.5 tbsp pulao/biryani masala home made above or store bought
• 1 cup chopped tomato 1 large tomato
• 1 cup small chopped assorted vegetables like chopped carrots, green beans, cauliflower etc.
• 15 oz can chickpeas or 1.5 cups cooked or use other beans of choice
• 3/4 to 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 cups water
• cilantro, mint, lemon juice for garnish