📝 Introduction (H2)
Vegetable Pulao is a fragrant and colorful one-pot Indian rice dish made with basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. It’s a perfect weekday lunch or dinner option that’s quick to prepare, delicious, and healthy.
🧂 Ingredients (H2)
- 1 cup Basmati Rice (soaked for 20 mins)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 green cardamom
- 1 onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 carrot (chopped)
- ½ cup green peas
- ½ cup chopped beans
- ½ cup chopped capsicum
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Heat Oil and Sauté Whole Spices
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Let them splutter and release aroma.
🧅 Step 2: Add Onion and Ginger-Garlic Paste
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook until raw smell goes away.
🥕 Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Add carrots, peas, beans, and capsicum.
- Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
🍚 Step 4: Add Soaked Rice and Water
- Drain the soaked rice and add to the pan.
- Pour 2 cups of water and add salt.
- Mix well.
🔥 Step 5: Cook and Simmer
- Cover with lid and cook on medium flame until rice is cooked.
- Once water is absorbed, turn off heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
🌿 Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
📊 Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
🔍 Tips to Make Perfect Pulao
- Use aged basmati rice for fluffy grains.
- Add a dash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
- You can add paneer or tofu for more protein.