Boot pulao (Green garbanzo beans pilaf)

               Boot or hari boot (green garbanzo beans) are seasonal beans and during it's season, the winter. You can find them almost everywhere on every kiosk in Hyderabad. I sometimes wonder why it's named boot as it once led to confusion between me and my friend who thought I was talking about a pair of boots. Recently I also came to know that it's also called harbhara in marathi and I would love to know what you call it in your vernacular.


               Garbanzo beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber and are packed with magnesium, potassium and iron. You have to pop them raw out of their shells. While many prefer to eat them roasted or shallow fried at my place we prefer them cooked with rice in the form of pulao.

                                 The recipe is very similar to that of Bagaara khaana and can be served with Dahi ki chutney or Hyderabadi khatti dal and Mutton kebabs or Chicken stir fry.

  Ingredients:

1. Rice - 500 gms
2. Hari boot / garbanzo beans - 250 gms
3. Mint leaves - 1/2 bunch
4. Coriander leaves - 1 bunch
5. Green chilies - 5 to 6 nos
6. Onion - 1 no
7. Ginger garlic paste - 1 tbsp
8. Salt - to taste
9. Oil - 3tbsp

Method:

• Wash rice grains well and leave it soaking for half an hour.
• Pop out the beans and wash well.
• Heat oil in a heavy bottomed vessel.
• Add onions and saute till golden.
• Add ginger garlic paste, mint and coriander leaves and slit green chilies. Saute for two minutes.
• Add rice and enough water for cooking rice. You should be able to stir freely.
• Add salt as per taste.
• Cover the vessel with a lid and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
• When the water comes to a boil add the hari boot or garbanzo beans.
• Cover and cook on slow flame for another 5 minutes till there is no more water left.
• Serve hot.

Do share your views with me in the comments section below.

Happy Cooking!!!