Veg Pulao, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, is a staple in many Indian households and a beloved vegetarian option worldwide. Its simplicity belies its complex and satisfying taste, a perfect harmony of spices, vegetables, and fluffy rice. This one-pot wonder is incredibly versatile; you can adapt it to your preferred vegetables and spice levels, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping side dish for any occasion. The comforting aroma alone is enough to entice even the most discerning palate.
Imagine a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, perfectly cooked rice, and a subtle yet captivating blend of spices, all simmering together to create a culinary masterpiece. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this Veg Pulao is surprisingly easy to make. Ready to discover the secrets to this delicious dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own mind-blowing Veg Pulao.
Tools Needed
- Vessel with a bottom
- Ladle
Ingredients
- Basmati Rice: 2 cups
- Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Green Cardamom: 3
- Big Cardamom: 1
- Cinnamon: 1 inch piece
- Cloves: 5
- Black Pepper: null
- Bay Leaves: 2
- Onion: null
- Ginger-Garlic-Green Chili Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Tomato: 1, sliced
- Salt: null
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Curd (Yogurt): 3/4 cup
- Homemade Biryani Masala: 1 tablespoon
- Potato: 2, cubed
- Carrot: 1, cubed
- French Beans: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Green Peas: 1/3 cup
- Coriander: null, chopped
- Mint: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Water: 1 cup (plus additional for soaking rice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rice and Aromatics
- Wash Basmati rice thoroughly 3-10 times until water runs clear. Soak for 30-35 minutes.
- Heat oil and ghee in a vessel. Add green cardamoms, big cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and bay leaves.
Step 2. Sauté Vegetables and Spices
- Add sliced onions and sauté until light golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic-green chili paste and sliced tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, adding a little water if needed.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix curd with homemade biryani masala until smooth. Add to the spice mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add cubed potatoes, carrots, chopped French beans, green peas, coriander, and mint. Cook until potatoes are half-cooked (about 4-5 minutes).
Step 3. Cook the Pulao
- Adjust salt and spices to taste. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the vegetable mixture.
- Add 1 cup of water (double the amount of rice). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Check for doneness. If needed, cook for a further 1-2 minutes. Let the pulao rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 4. Rest and Serve
- Gently remove the fluffy rice from the sides of the vessel using a ladle to avoid breaking the grains.
Read more: Spicy Tava Pulao Recipe: Easy Indian Rice Dish
Tips
- For a pressure cooker method, use the same ingredients and steps but reduce the water to 3 cups for 2 cups of rice. Cook until pressure releases naturally.
- Letting the pulao rest after cooking allows the rice to become fluffier and prevents broken grains.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rice for this Veg Pulao recipe?
While freshly cooked rice works best for optimal texture, you can use leftover rice. Just make sure it's not sticky or mushy. Add it towards the end of the cooking time and adjust the liquid accordingly.
2. What vegetables can I substitute or add?
This recipe is highly adaptable! Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference and availability. Peas, carrots, beans, cauliflower, and potatoes all work well. Get creative!
So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying Veg Pulao ready to grace your table. This one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a burst of flavour with minimal effort. Enjoy the fragrant aroma and delightful taste of your homemade Veg Pulao!