Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavourful lunchbox option? Look no further than this vibrant Green Lentil Carrot Pulao! This one-pot wonder combines the earthy goodness of green lentils with the sweetness of carrots, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for busy weekdays or a light and healthy dinner. It's packed with protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized throughout the day. This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like peas or potatoes to customize it to your liking.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times! This Green Lentil Carrot Pulao is surprisingly simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Ready to dive into the delicious and easy-to-follow steps? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to creating this delightful and healthy dish.
Tools Needed
- Pressure cooker
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Basmati rice
- Green lentils (with skin): 3 tablespoons
- Ghee or oil
- Carrot: 1 large, chopped
- Onion: 1 large, chopped lengthwise
- Chili powder: 1.5 teaspoons
- Clove: a small piece
- Bay leaves: 5
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rice and Aromatics
- Wash and soak basmati rice for 10 minutes. (You can use any type of rice)
- Heat ghee or oil in a pressure cooker. Add rice and fry lightly until all the water evaporates. Transfer to a bowl.
- In the same cooker, add ghee/oil, cloves, and bay leaves. Fry until fragrant.
Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices
- Add chopped onions and fry until golden brown. Then add carrots and fry briefly.
Step 3. Combine and Pressure Cook
- Add the fried rice, green lentils, chili powder, salt, and water (about 1 cup for 1 cup of rice). Mix well.
- Cook in the pressure cooker for 2-3 whistles.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Fluff the cooked pulao and garnish as desired.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- Separating the rice before cooking helps to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Adjust the amount of water according to your rice and cooker.
- Omitting garlic and ginger allows for a different flavor profile, offering variety.
- Serve with plain yogurt, raita, or any side dish of your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-450
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 70-80g
- Protein: 12-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of lentils?
While green lentils work best for this recipe due to their texture, you can experiment with red or brown lentils. Red lentils will cook faster, resulting in a softer pulao. Brown lentils will hold their shape slightly more.
2. How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure you're using vegetable broth or water instead of chicken broth if you're using a pre-made spice blend that contains animal products.
This Green Lentil Carrot Pulao is a perfect example of how healthy eating can be both delicious and convenient. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious dish as a satisfying lunchbox staple or a light yet fulfilling dinner. We hope you enjoy making and savoring this easy and healthy recipe!