Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao Recipe
Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao is a fragrant and flavorful dish that brings together a variety of vegetables, spices, and fresh coconut for a truly unique experience. This aromatic, spicy pulao is enhanced with the richness of paneer and crispy fried bread cubes, making it an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or even a lunchbox meal. The combination of roasted spices and fresh ingredients gives this pulao a special taste that is distinctly Karnataka. Whether you’re new to South Indian cuisine or an avid enthusiast, this pulao is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Calories per Serving: Approx. 320 kcal
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 2 cups |
| Bay leaves (tej patta) | 2 leaves |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 100 grams |
| Fried Bread Cubes (Croutons) | 1 cup |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2, finely chopped |
| Green beans (French Beans) | 10, finely chopped |
| Green peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, boiled and diced |
| Cauliflower (gobi) | 1 cup, florets |
| Fresh coconut | 3 tbsp, grated |
| Pearl onions (Sambar Onions) | 4, peeled |
| Garlic | 4 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch piece |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 3 tsp |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 tsp |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1 bunch |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch piece |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Green Chillies | 3, slit |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Pulao Masala Paste
- Start by grinding the ingredients for the pulao masala. In a grinder, combine fresh coconut, pearl onions, garlic, ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, coriander leaves, tomato, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and green chillies.
- Add a little warm water to the mixture if necessary, to help grind it into a smooth paste. This aromatic paste will form the flavor base of the pulao.
2. Steaming the Vegetables
- Steam the carrots, green beans, peas, potatoes, and cauliflower using a steamer. This method helps retain the natural flavor and crunch of the vegetables. Set them aside once done.
3. Cooking the Rice
- In a large saucepan, add Basmati rice and 3-1/2 cups of water. Add salt to taste and bring the mixture to a brisk boil.
- Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and cook the rice until all the water is absorbed (around 10-15 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to firm up. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
4. Preparing the Pulao
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once hot, add the bay leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add the ground pulao masala paste to the pan. Cook the masala on medium heat until it turns brown and releases a fragrant aroma, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
5. Combining the Rice and Vegetables
- Once the masala is ready, add the cooked rice, paneer cubes, fried bread cubes (croutons), and the steamed vegetables to the pan. Gently toss everything together to ensure the rice is well coated with the spice paste and all ingredients are evenly mixed.
6. Final Adjustments
- Taste the pulao and adjust the salt if necessary. If you prefer a spicier pulao, you can add a little more chopped green chilies at this point.
7. Serving
- Serve the Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves.
- Pair this pulao with a side of Tomato Onion Raita for a perfect meal. You can also serve it with any side dish of your choice, such as a tangy pickle or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Perfect Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao
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Rice Texture: For fluffy rice, make sure not to overcook it. Always use the correct water-to-rice ratio (3.5 cups of water for 2 cups of rice). It’s essential to allow the rice to cool before fluffing it for the best texture.
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Vegetables: You can use a variety of vegetables according to your preference. Adding beans, potatoes, carrots, and peas makes this pulao colorful and nutritious, but feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables.
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Spices: The freshness of the ground spices is what makes this recipe stand out. You can slightly adjust the spices based on your heat tolerance, but the mix of coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, and cardamom is what gives it the signature Karnataka flavor.
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Paneer Substitution: If you want a vegan version, you can substitute the paneer with tofu or skip the cheese altogether for a lighter dish.
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Bread Croutons: For a crispy texture, make sure the bread cubes are lightly fried until golden brown. This step enhances the dish, giving it extra crunch and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 8 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 45 grams |
| Fat | 12 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Sugars | 4 grams |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Conclusion
Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao is a wonderful dish that showcases the aromatic spices, vegetables, and unique flavors typical of Karnataka cuisine. The addition of fresh coconut and homemade paneer makes this pulao richer and more indulgent, while the mix of vegetables adds color, nutrition, and flavor. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or even packed for a meal on the go, this pulao is sure to please your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
