Flavorful Mixed Vegetable Pulao with Brown Rice

Mixed Vegetable Pulao Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Mixed Vegetable Pulao is a flavorful, aromatic rice dish that brings together a variety of vegetables with a blend of traditional Indian spices. It’s a perfect meal for dinner or a festive occasion. Follow these steps to create this delicious and satisfying dish:

1. Preparation of Rice
   Start by washing the brown rice thoroughly under cold water. Once washed, soak it in 2 cups of water for about 30 minutes to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors well.

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2. Steam the Vegetables
   While the rice is soaking, prepare the vegetables. Steam the green beans, cauliflower florets, and carrot cubes in a steamer with a pinch of salt for about 5-7 minutes or until tender. Set them aside for later use.

3. Prepare the Spice Mix
   Using a pestle and mortar, grind the cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick into a fine powder. This aromatic spice mix will infuse the rice with rich flavor. Set the spice powder aside.

4. Cook the Pulao
   In a large saucepan or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the grated garlic and stir-fry it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.

5. Add the Spices
   Add the freshly ground spice powder (cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon) to the pan. Stir well to combine with the garlic. Allow the spices to bloom in the ghee for another 10-15 seconds.

6. Add the Rice
   Now, add the soaked brown rice to the pan along with the salt, green chillies (slit), and the bay leaf. Pour in the water in which the rice was soaked. Turn the heat to high and allow the water to come to a boil.

7. Simmer the Rice
   Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the water. The rice should be tender and cooked through.

8. Check for Doneness
   After the water has been absorbed, check the rice for tenderness. If it needs to be softer, you can add a little more water and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the rice reaches your desired texture.

9. Rest the Pulao
   Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for at least 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to firm up slightly, keeping the grains separate and fluffy.

10. Add Vegetables and Mint
    Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the steamed vegetables (green beans, cauliflower, and carrots) along with a handful of chopped mint leaves. Taste the pulao and adjust the salt if needed.

11. Serve
    Transfer the Mixed Vegetable Pulao to a serving bowl and garnish with additional mint leaves for a fresh finish. Serve hot with your favorite raita, such as Boondi Raita or Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, and a roasted papad for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips and Variations:

• For extra flavor: Add a handful of fried onions or a small dollop of yogurt while mixing in the steamed vegetables.
• Rice alternatives: If you prefer white rice, you can use basmati rice instead of brown rice for a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies based on your desired spice level. For a milder version, remove the seeds from the chillies.
• Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but for a vegan variation, ensure you use vegetable oil in place of ghee.

Mixed Vegetable Pulao is a versatile and healthy dish that works as a main course or as a side dish for curries and dals. It’s the perfect addition to any meal, bringing together aromatic rice and a mix of vibrant vegetables. Enjoy the flavors of India with this easy-to-make, satisfying pulao!