Authentic Awadhi Vegetable Pulao (Taheri) Recipe

Awadhi Style Taheri (Vegetable Rice Pulao) Recipe
Experience the flavors of Awadh with this aromatic and vibrant vegetable rice pulao, known as Taheri. It’s a perfect blend of fragrant basmati rice, colorful vegetables, and a delicate mix of spices, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time

• 35 minutes

Total Time

• 50 minutes

Servings

• 4

Cuisine

• Awadhi

Course

• Lunch

Diet

• Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Whole Spices
   Begin by heating a pressure cooker on medium heat. Add a tablespoon of sunflower oil to the cooker. Once the oil is hot, toss in the bay leaf, black cardamom, whole black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute or until the spices release a fragrant aroma.

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2. Sauté Onions, Ginger, Garlic, and Green Chillies
   Add the finely chopped onion, ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies to the pressure cooker. Sauté these ingredients for a few minutes until the onion turns golden brown and translucent. This step enhances the flavor base of the pulao.

3. Cook the Vegetables
   Add the cubed potatoes, carrots, green beans, cauliflower florets, and green peas to the pressure cooker. Stir them gently and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to absorb the aromatic spices.

4. Add Spices and Curd
   Sprinkle the red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt over the vegetables. Stir well to combine the spices evenly with the vegetables. Next, add the 1/4 cup of curd (yogurt) and mix it in thoroughly. This adds a subtle creaminess to the dish.

5. Add the Rice
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the soaked rice into the pressure cooker and mix gently with the vegetables and spices.

6. Cook the Pulao
   Add 2 1/2 cups of water to the cooker and check for salt. Stir the mixture one last time before closing the pressure cooker. Cook for 3 whistles on medium heat, then turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This ensures the rice is cooked perfectly without becoming mushy.

7. Garnish and Serve
   Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and gently fluff the rice with a fork. To add an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle the fried onions on top of the cooked pulao. The crispy onions enhance the aroma and visual appeal of the dish.

8. Serving Suggestion
   Serve the Awadhi Style Taheri (Vegetable Rice Pulao) with a side of Cucumber Raita for a refreshing and satisfying meal. The cool raita complements the spiced rice beautifully, making it a complete lunch or dinner option.

Tips & Variations

• You can experiment with different vegetables such as peas, beans, or even mushrooms, depending on availability or personal preference.
• If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of garam masala or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for an added burst of freshness.
• To make the dish richer, you can add a tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) to the cooked rice for a luxurious taste and texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

This Awadhi Style Taheri (Vegetable Rice Pulao) brings the traditional flavors of the royal Awadh region into your kitchen, offering a delightful medley of spices, fresh vegetables, and aromatic rice. It’s a one-pot wonder that is perfect for a cozy family meal or a special occasion.