Karnataka Vegetable Pulao with Paneer and Spices

Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao Recipe

Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao is a delightful South Indian rice dish that bursts with flavors and textures. This hearty, aromatic dish combines a blend of fresh vegetables, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and crispy bread cubes, all cooked together with fragrant spices. The masala paste that’s the heart of this pulao infuses the rice with a unique aroma, making every bite a mouthwatering experience. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for vegetarians and spice lovers alike.

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Indian

Course: Main Course

Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

1. Prepare the Masala Paste:
   Begin by grinding the following ingredients to a smooth paste using a mixer or grinder:

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   • Fresh coconut
   • Pearl onions
   • Garlic
   • Ginger
   • Coriander seeds
   • Cumin seeds
   • Fennel seeds
   • Coriander leaves
   • Tomato
   • Cinnamon stick
   • Cloves
   • Cardamom pods
   • Green chillies

   Add a little warm water as needed to make the paste smooth and fine.

2. Cook the Rice:
   Rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 3 1/2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a brisk boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the rice cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and allow the rice to rest for a few minutes. Once rested, gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

3. Steam the Vegetables:
   While the rice is cooking, steam the following vegetables:

   • Carrots (finely chopped)
   • Green beans (finely chopped)
   • Green peas
   • Potatoes (boiled and diced)
   • Cauliflower (florets)

   Once steamed, set the vegetables aside.

4. Prepare the Pulao Masala:
   Heat a tablespoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the bay leaves and the prepared masala paste to the pan. Sauté the paste for a few minutes, allowing it to turn a rich brown color and releasing an aromatic fragrance. Be sure to stir the paste occasionally to prevent it from burning.

5. Combine Ingredients:
   Once the masala has sautéed to perfection, add the cooked rice to the pan, along with the steamed vegetables, paneer cubes, and fried bread croutons. Gently stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful masala paste.

6. Adjust the Seasoning:
   Taste the pulao and adjust the salt as needed. You can also add a little more heat with extra green chillies if you like your dish spicier.

7. Serve:
   Serve the Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao hot, paired with a refreshing bowl of Tomato Onion Raita for a complete meal. This pulao also makes an excellent dish for lunch boxes or as a festive side for a special occasion.

Tips:

• Paneer Variation: If you prefer a vegan version, you can substitute paneer with tofu for a similar texture.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies according to your preferred spice level. You can also add red chilli powder to enhance the heat.
• Add Nuts: For added richness, garnish with cashews or almonds fried in ghee.
• Fried Bread Cubes: If you don’t have store-bought croutons, you can easily make your own by frying cubes of bread in a little oil until golden and crispy.

This Karnataka Style Mixed Vegetable Pulao offers a wonderful combination of textures and spices, making it a delicious meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Enjoy the taste of South India in the comfort of your own home!