Spicy Salsa Pulao

It was Super Bowl weekend between New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles (Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33). American Football is a very fast game and have to watch really closely, as there are some many ppl pouncing on that one tiny ball which actually is not even in sight :). Every year after the super bowl, I think I have a good understanding of the game, but the learning is still continuing :). We always watch this game in a group, so much fun and too many fundas from the gang to educate one another. Its interesting to see each persons take on the moves made by the players. This is one of the most entertaining things about watching the game..
Watching the game comes with munching on lot of food. I had bought a big batch of cheese and salsa as we had planned to make Nachos. The left overs now have to be used up and so I came up with this idea. Pulao tastes very yummy but is slightly spicy. The level of spiciness can be reduced by adding less salsa. Salsa is the only ingredient I have used for flavoring when making this rice, added a few veggies to give it some color and nutrition.

SpicySalsaPulao-2

Ingredients

rice 1 cup
spicy roasted pepper salsa 3/4 cup or 1 cup (based on spice level)
water 1 1/2 cups (use 2 cups water if cooking on stove top)
oil 8 tsp
garlic 2 cloves, finely chopped
mint leaves 1/4 cup, shredded
spinach 1 cup
peas 1/2 cup
sweet bell pepper 1/2 cup, cut into long pieces
salt to taste (might want to add a lil less as the salsa also has salt)
potato 1 small, finely cut (optional)
sugar 3 tsp

Method
– using InstantPot
Turn on Saute mode, add oil, garlic and saute.
Add the spinach, mint leaves, potatoes, peas, sweet bell pepper.
Sprinkle salt and sugar.
Cook for a 2-3 mins.
Now add unwashed rice, continue to stir till all rice turns white or slightly brown.
Now add the salsa (I have used del real foods fire roasted red salsa) and water.
Close the lid, press the off/cancel button.
Set to Manual mode in high pressure for 6 mins with the vent in sealing position.
Once the cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally.
Open the lid and using a fork separate the rice granules.
Serve this as is or with some cucumber raita.

– on stovetop
Heat oil in a pan, add garlic and saute.
Add the spinach, mint leaves, potatoes, peas, sweet bell pepper.
Sprinkle salt and sugar.
Cook for a 2-3 mins.
Now add unwashed rice, continue to stir till all rice turns white or slightly brown.
Now add the salsa (I have used del real foods fire roasted red salsa) and 2 cups of water.
Let the water start to boil, then reduce flame.
Cook on for 10-12 mins or till rice is cooked on low flame.
Using a fork separate the rice granules.
Serve this as is or with some cucumber raita.