Aromatic Vegetable Pulao Recipe
Aromatic Vegetable Pulao is a flavorful and fragrant dish that combines an assortment of vegetables with perfectly cooked rice. With its mild spicing and vibrant, crunchy vegetables, this one-pot dish is a great choice for a satisfying lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a part of a party menu. Ready in just 20 minutes of active preparation time, this recipe makes for a quick and tasty meal, ideal for a busy weekday or a lazy weekend lunch. The inclusion of fresh coriander and mint leaves brings an aromatic punch that enhances the flavors of the dish.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 2 cups |
| Oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Green Peas (Matar) | 1/4 cup, steamed |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/4 cup, chopped |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1/4 cup, cut into small cubes |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | A small bunch, finely chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | A few sprigs, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Instructions:
-
Soak the Rice
Begin by washing and soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes. Once soaked, drain the water and set the rice aside to prepare for cooking. -
-
Cook the Onions and Whole Spices
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Sautรฉ them until the onions turn golden brown and the whole spices release their fragrance. -
Prepare the Tomato and Spices
Add the ginger garlic paste and chopped tomatoes to the pan with the onions. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes soften and become mushy, which will take about 5 minutes. -
Add Spices and Vegetables
Once the tomatoes are soft, add the red chilli powder, garam masala powder, and the chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, bell pepper, and potatoes). Stir the mixture for about a minute to ensure the spices coat the vegetables well. -
Boil the Water
In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. -
Cook the Rice
Pour the hot water into the pan with the vegetables and spices. Then, add the soaked and drained rice to the pan, and give everything a gentle stir. Cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice cook until it is about 3/4 cooked, which should take around 10-12 minutes. -
Simmer and Finish
Once the rice is 3/4 cooked, reduce the heat to low and allow it to cook for a few more minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the water has evaporated. -
Garnish and Serve
Once the rice is cooked and fluffy, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle fresh coriander and mint leaves over the top to add an extra layer of aroma and flavor. Fluff the rice with a fork to mix the vegetables and spices evenly.
Serve the Aromatic Vegetable Pulao hot with your favorite raita such as Burani Raita or Raw Mango Raita. This pulao pairs wonderfully with a side of crunchy papad or even a simple cucumber salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Notes:
- For added richness, you can include a few cashews or raisins when sautรฉing the onions for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier pulao, feel free to adjust the amount of red chilli powder or add green chillies according to your taste.
- You can also add some chopped paneer or tofu to make the dish more protein-rich.
This Aromatic Vegetable Pulao is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a colorful addition to your meal, bringing a burst of freshness and flavor with every bite!
