Vegetable Pulao
सब्जी पुलाव
Vegetable Pulao is one of India's most practical and satisfying one-pot rice dishes — fragrant basmati rice cooked with a colourful medley of vegetables (peas, carrots, beans, corn, mint) in a simple whole-spice and onion base, producing a dish that is lighter and quicker than biryani but far more flavourful than plain rice. Unlike biryani (which requires layering and dum), pulao is a simpler pilaf-style preparation where the vegetables and rice cook together from the start, with the vegetables' juices flavouring the rice as it cooks. Served at every Indian home, restaurant, and wedding buffet, it is the ideal all-purpose accompaniment and a complete meal in itself with a side of raita. The key is high-quality aged basmati and well-balanced whole spices.
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
Prep 10 min · Cook 20 min
Ingredients
Method
Heat ghee in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add whole spices — fry until fragrant (30 seconds). Add sliced onion — cook until golden (8 minutes). Add ginger-garlic paste — 1 minute. Add mixed vegetables and mint — stir-fry 2 minutes.
About 10 min
Tip: Golden (not just softened) onions are the difference between a bland and a delicious pulao — the onion sweetness is the backbone of the flavour.
Add soaked, drained rice to the pot. Stir-fry gently for 1–2 minutes until rice is coated in ghee and mixed with vegetables. Add water or stock. Season with salt. Bring to a full boil.
About 3 min
Tip: Using vegetable stock instead of water dramatically improves the flavour without any extra effort.
Once boiling hard, reduce to lowest heat, cover tightly, and cook 12 minutes. Remove from heat — do not open the lid. Rest 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork. Every grain should be separate and the vegetables cooked but not mushy. Serve with cucumber raita, pickle, and papad.
About 15 min
Tip: The resting period off heat is as important as the cooking — it allows moisture to distribute evenly throughout the rice.
Nutrition per serving (estimate)
- Calories
- 330
- Protein
- 7 g
- Carbs
- 56 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fibre
- 3 g
- Sugar
- 3 g
- Sodium
- 480 mg
Contains: dairy
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Recipe by Boon Tools.