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Veg pulao is a popular Indian rice dish made with basmati rice and a variety of vegetables. It is a one-pot dish where the rice and vegetables are cooked together with aromatic spices and seasonings.

Veg pulao is a flavorful rice dish prepared by sautéing onions, spices, and ginger-garlic paste. Mixed vegetables are added and cooked briefly.

Soaked rice is then added and mixed with the vegetables. Water or vegetable broth, along with desired spices, is added.

The pot is covered, and the rice is cooked until fluffy and the vegetables are tender. Let us dive into recipe details.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

Veg pulao is a flavorful and aromatic one-pot dish made with basmati rice and mixed vegetables.

To enhance the taste of veg pulao, use aromatic basmati rice, sauté the spices and onions until golden brown, and add a variety of colorful vegetables.
Serve veg pulao with accompaniments like raita, pickles, papadums, or salads to add contrasting flavors and textures.
Veg pulao has a balanced and mild spiciness, with a fragrant aroma from the basmati rice and a subtle sweetness from the vegetables.

If you’re looking for alternatives to veg pulao, you can try dishes like biryani, fried rice, lemon rice, tomato rice, or jeera rice to explore different flavors and textures.

The Ingredients:

2 cups of rice (Basmati rice is a preferred option)

Cauliflower florets 1 tablespoon
Green peas 1 tablespoon
Carrot cut into small cubes (1 piece)

Beans slit along the middle 1 tablespoon
1 large-size potato cut into small cubes
1 large onion cut into medium pieces

1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste
3 dry red chilies
3 bay leaves

4 cinnamon
5-6 cardamom
4-5 cloves

1 and ½ tablespoon of cumin powder
Cashew nuts 1 tsp
raisins 1/2 tsp

Green chilies 8 pcs
Ghee 3 tablespoon
White oil 1 tablespoon

Sugar 1/2 tablespoon
Salt to taste

How to Cook Veg Pulao (Step by Step Images)?

1. Soak the rice in water. Keep it aside for 20 minutes.

2. Put a pressure cooker on the gas stove.

3. Pour 3 tablespoons of ghee and 1 tablespoon of white oil.

4. Add cashew nuts and raisins.

5. Stir for a few minutes.

6. Take them out of the cooker.

7. Sauté whole spices in the pressure cooker.

8. Add onions. Fry till light brown.

9. Add green chilies.

10. Add ginger-garlic paste.

11. Give all the ingredients a good stir.

12. Add all the vegetables. Add potato cubes a couple of minutes later.

13. Add salt and stir well. Regular stirring is enough.

14. Cook for 10 minutes on medium flame.

15. Add already soaked rice. Mix rice gently with all the ingredients.

16. Put the lid on pressure cooker.

17. Open after a few minutes. Add 3 cups of water. Turn the flame low.

18. Add ½ tablespoon of sugar. You can skip the part.

19. Add salt if required. Sprinkle raisins and cashew nuts.

20. Pressure cooks rice and other ingredients for 1 whistle.

21. Allow the steam to release from the cooker and then open the lid.

22. Veg Pulao is ready.

Pro Tips for Making Veg Pulao

Use aromatic basmati rice for the best flavor and texture in your veg pulao.

Soak the rice for about 20 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking and fluffy grains.

Sauté the whole spices like cumin seeds, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves in hot oil or ghee at the beginning to enhance their flavors.

Sauté the onions until golden brown to add sweetness and depth of flavor to the pulao.

Adding ginger-garlic paste or freshly grated ginger and minced garlic adds a delicious aroma and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Choose a variety of colorful and seasonal vegetables for a visually appealing and nutritious pulao. Carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, and potatoes are common choices, but feel free to use your favorite vegetables.

Cut the vegetables into uniform-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Gently mix the soaked rice with the sautéed vegetables to ensure even distribution and avoid breaking the rice grains.

Adjust the amount of water or vegetable broth depending on the rice variety and desired consistency. Generally, the ratio of rice to water is 1:2, but it can vary, so follow the instructions on the rice package as a guideline.

Season the pulao with salt and spices like turmeric, red chili powder, or garam masala according to your taste preferences. Start with a smaller quantity of spices and adjust as needed.

Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly. This helps the rice cook evenly and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Avoid stirring the rice while it’s cooking to prevent it from becoming sticky. Instead, gently fluff the rice with a fork once it’s cooked.

Let the pulao rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Garnish the veg pulao with fresh cilantro leaves (coriander) before serving for added freshness and aroma.

What to Serve with Veg Pulao?

Here are some popular options to serve with veg pulao:

Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based side dish that complements the flavors of veg pulao. You can make a simple cucumber raita or add other ingredients like tomatoes, onions, or mint for added freshness.

Pickles: Indian pickles, such as mango pickle, lime pickle, or mixed vegetable pickle, provide a tangy and spicy contrast to the mild flavors of veg pulao. They add an extra punch of flavor to the meal.

Papadums: Crispy papadums or papads are thin, lentil-based crackers that are commonly served as a side dish with rice dishes. They add a crunchy texture and can be enjoyed on their own or with chutneys.

Chutneys: Mint chutney, coriander chutney, or tamarind chutney are popular accompaniments for veg pulao. They add a burst of flavors and can be drizzled over the pulao or served on the side.

Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice can provide a fresh and light contrast to the warm and aromatic veg pulao. It adds a cool and crunchy element to the meal.

Paneer or Tofu Dish: Serve a paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu dish alongside the veg pulao to add protein and richness to the meal. Paneer tikka, palak paneer, or tofu masala are excellent options.

Dal: A comforting bowl of dal, such as dal tadka or dal makhani, can be served as a side dish or poured over the veg pulao for a heartier and more satisfying meal.

Curries: Accompany veg pulao with a flavorful curry like vegetable curry, butter chicken, or chana masala. The combination of the fragrant rice and rich curry creates a delicious and complete meal.

Yogurt: A simple bowl of yogurt can be served with veg pulao to provide a cooling and creamy element. It balances the spices and adds a creamy texture to the meal.

Remember, the choice of accompaniments depends on personal preferences and regional variations. Feel free to mix and match to create a meal that suits your taste buds.

How Does Veg Pulao Taste?

Veg pulao has a delicious and aromatic flavor profile. The combination of fragrant basmati rice, spices, and mixed vegetables creates a harmonious blend of tastes. Here are some characteristics of the taste of veg pulao:

Fragrant: The basmati rice used in veg pulao imparts a delightful fragrance to the dish. It has a distinct aroma that adds an inviting and appetizing quality to the pulao.

Mildly Spiced: Veg pulao is typically seasoned with spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, among others. These spices provide a gentle warmth and flavor without overpowering the dish. The level of spiciness can vary based on personal preferences and the amount of spices used.

Savory: Veg pulao has a savory and comforting taste. The sautéed onions, ginger-garlic paste, and spices create a flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Vegetal Sweetness: The mixed vegetables used in veg pulao contribute a subtle natural sweetness. Carrots, peas, beans, and other vegetables add a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the dish.

Balanced Flavors: Veg pulao aims for a balanced blend of flavors. The combination of spices, rice, and vegetables creates a harmony of tastes where no single element overpowers the others.

Nutty Undertones: Basmati rice itself has a nutty flavor, and this nuttiness is present in veg pulao as well. It adds a pleasant depth of taste to the overall dish.

Freshness of Herbs: Garnishing the pulao with fresh cilantro leaves (coriander) adds a refreshing herbal note. The cilantro leaves provide a burst of freshness that complements the other flavors in the pulao.

Overall, veg pulao offers a delightful combination of fragrant rice, mild spices, savory undertones, and the natural sweetness of mixed vegetables.

It is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of accompaniments to enhance the taste experience.

Veg Pulao Alternatives

If you’re looking for alternatives to veg pulao, here are a few popular rice dishes that you might enjoy:

Biryani: Biryani is a flavorful rice dish made with aromatic spices, meat (such as chicken, lamb, or fish), and basmati rice. It is typically cooked in layers, resulting in a rich and fragrant dish. Vegetable biryani is also a popular variation that substitutes meat with mixed vegetables.

Fried Rice: Fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized with various vegetables, proteins (such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu), and sauces. It is made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, protein, and seasonings like soy sauce and spices.

Lemon Rice: Lemon rice is a tangy and refreshing South Indian dish. Cooked rice is flavored with lemon juice, turmeric, and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. It is a simple yet flavorful option for a quick meal.

Tomato Rice: Tomato rice is a spicy and tangy rice dish made with tomatoes, spices, and cooked rice. It is often seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and onions. Tomato rice offers a burst of flavors and can be enjoyed with raita or yogurt.

Puliyodarai/Tamarind Rice: Puliyodarai or tamarind rice is a tangy and tangy dish made with tamarind pulp, spices, and cooked rice. It is usually tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. Puliyodarai is known for its unique sweet, sour, and spicy flavor profile.

Jeera Rice: Jeera rice is a simple and fragrant rice dish flavored with cumin seeds. It is made by sautéing cumin seeds in ghee or oil and then cooking the rice with water or broth. Jeera rice pairs well with various curries and can be enjoyed as a standalone dish.

These alternatives provide different flavor profiles and textures, allowing you to explore new rice dishes and cater to your taste preferences.