Pulao is a delicious and quick rice recipe and a side dish that goes well with all kinds of dishes. Whether you are looking for a weekend meal or a great dish to serve to guests at your home, pulao recipe is always a hit. It is a one-pot dish made with a mix of aromatic spices, basmati rice, and vegetables or meat. The best part is that it is very easy to make, requires little effort, and delivers maximum taste.
In this blog, we are going to tell you about a quick and delicious pulao recipe that you can make at home. This recipe is vegetarian, but you can always add your favorite protein or paneer to make it more delicious.
Why You Should Try This Pulao Recipe
Easy and quick—it gets ready within 30 minutes; you can have it anytime, which makes it best suited for busy days.
Aromatic and delicious—The blend of whole spices and basmati rice makes this recipe aromatic and delicious.
Personalized—You can personally customize the ingredients as per your liking and use additional vegetables and proteins as per your requirement.
Healthy and balanced breakfast meal—with the addition of additional vegetables.
Ingredients for Pulao
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup | Rinse and soak for 15-20 minutes |
| Water | 2 cups | Adjust as needed |
| Onion (sliced) | 1 medium-sized | Thinly sliced |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 large | Fresh and ripe |
| Mixed vegetables | 1 cup | Carrot, peas, beans, bell pepper |
| Ghee or oil | 2 tablespoons | For rich flavor |
| Ginger-garlic paste | 1 teaspoon | Fresh or store-bought |
| Salt | To taste | Adjust as per preference |
| Whole Spices | Quantity | Notes |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon | Adds aroma |
| Cloves | 2-3 | Enhances flavor |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 inch | Adds warmth |
| Green cardamoms | 2 | Slightly crushed for best aroma |
| Bay leaf | 1 | Fragrant spice |
| Ground Spices | Quantity | Notes |
| Turmeric powder | ½ teaspoon | Gives color and flavor |
| Garam masala | 1 teaspoon | Adds depth to the dish |
| Red chili powder (optional) | ½ teaspoon | Adjust for spice preference |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Rice
First, wash the basmati rice with running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess dirt, and the rice does not stick. Soak the rice in water and leave it for 20 minutes and then drain the water and keep it aside.
Cooking the Spices and Vegetable
Add ghee or oil to a deep pan or vessel on low flame and let it heat up. Then add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until they start to smell nice.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and mix well. Cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Add the mixed vegetables and mix well. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
Add turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), and salt to taste to the vegetables. Mix everything well.
Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and stir gently to coat it with the spices.
Add 2 cups of water, mix, and bring to a boil.
When the water starts boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook for 15-18 minutes.
Once the rice is completely cooked and the water is absorbed, turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 5 minutes.
Fluff and Serve
Gently fluff the rice with a fork so that the grains separate. Serve the hot and aromatic veg pulao recipe with raita, yogurt, or pickle.
Tips for the Perfect Pulao Recipe
Use basmati rice—long-grain basmati rice gives the best texture and aroma.
Don’t skip the spices—whole spices give depth to the flavor of the dish.
Soak the rice—soaking the rice makes the food cook well, and the rice does not become mushy.
Cook on low flame—cooking on low flame makes the flavors blend together well.
Varieties of Pulao
Vegetable Pulao—add some more vegetables like cauliflower, capsicum, or corn to enhance the nutrient content.
Chicken Pulao—add diced chicken pieces and sauté them before adding rice.
Paneer Pulao—add diced paneer for extra protein.
Teekha Pulao—add a larger amount of chili powder and green chilies to make it hot.
Final Thoughts
Pulao Recipe is a simple and delicious dish that has the perfect blend of rice, spices, and vegetables. Its simplicity of preparation and good aroma make it a favorite meal of all. Whether you have it as a light meal or with curry, raita, or pickle, pulao recipe never falls short. The good news is that you can make it according to your taste. Using this easy recipe, you can make mouthwatering, restaurant-style pulao at home within minutes. Try it today and enjoy the comfort and ease of this comforting meal with every bite.
