Chicken Zeera Fried Rice

In a pan, heat oil, then add the onion and minced garlic and saute for a minute. Once it's done, add in all the veggies, chicken and stir fry for 10-12 mins. Then cover with a lid and let it simmer on a low flame.

Meanwhile, in a cooking pot, add butter or ghee. To this, add in the cumin seeds and bay leaves, you can also add other whole masalas such as cinnamon, black pepper, cloves and a pinch of nutmeg.

After a minute, add in the soaked and drained rice. (The rice shouldn't be soaked for too long, the more it's soaked, the more delicate the rice will be.)

Next, pour in water. (As easy this step may seem, it is the place where many of us tend to go wrong.) Water should always be added proportionally. For 1 glass of rice that has been drained and soaked, 2 glasses of water will be required. This is the correct proportion.)

Once this is done, mix the rice ever so gently so that everything is well mixed. Wait till the water boils before covering the pot with a lid. Don't overmix or the rice will break.

Cook the rice at high flame for the first 5 mins. Then lower the flame and let it cook for about 10-15 mins. The rice will cook for approximately 20-25 mins.

After the rice is done, transfer the chicken to the pot and mix it well. Allow this to stand for another 5 mins before serving.

This awesome fusion can be served with any Indian dish with gravy or the chicken manchurian or any Chinese side dish as well.