Classic Vegetable Pilaf

Indian pulaos are closely related to the pulaos (pilafs) of Central Asia, in which rice is cooked and flavored with herbs, spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. In this vegetable pulao, basmati rice is briefly cooked in a spice blend, then the broth and vegetables are added and all the ingredients simmer to a well-blended, soft-textured finished dish; each rice grain is firm and separate and subtly flavored. Serve accompanied by a soupy dal, a drier and spicy meat or