Quick Pulao with Onions and Tomatoes Recipe
Introduction:
Quick Pulao with Onions and Tomatoes is a delightful and simple dish that comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weekdays or when you’re craving a comforting meal. This flavorful Indian pulao is infused with spices, including cumin seeds, turmeric powder, and red chili powder, all harmoniously combined with the sweetness of onions and the tanginess of tomatoes. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your main course, this quick pulao recipe will leave you satisfied and craving more. Plus, it can be packed for picnics or lunch boxes!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (cooked) | 2 cups |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 |
| Tomato (chopped) | 1 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Green chillies (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Salt | As required |
| Ghee | As required |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 lemon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | Few sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | Varies (based on salt) |
| Sugars | 5g |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering and preparing all your ingredients. This includes chopping the onions, tomatoes, and green chilies, and ensuring the rice is cooked and ready to go. -
-
Heat the Ghee:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a little ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee has melted and become hot, add the cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter, releasing their fragrance. -
Add the Aromatics:
Next, add the finely chopped green chilies and curry leaves to the pan. Stir for about a minute to allow the flavors to blend and infuse the ghee with a wonderful aroma. -
Cook the Onions:
Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they become soft and translucent. This will take about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the onions cook evenly and do not burn. -
Add the Tomatoes:
Once the onions are ready, add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and break down slightly, releasing their juices. -
Combine the Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the pan. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to ensure it is evenly mixed with the onions and tomatoes. -
Add the Spices:
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well, ensuring the rice is coated with the spices. Let the rice cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Finish with Lemon and Coriander:
Once the rice is cooked through and well-spiced, turn off the heat. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the pulao and mix thoroughly. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Quick Pulao with Onions and Tomatoes hot, paired with your favorite raita—Burani raita works wonderfully—or any raita of your choice. A side of roasted papad complements the dish perfectly, adding a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft rice. This pulao can also be packed for picnics or as a lunch box option, making it versatile and ideal for on-the-go meals.
Enjoy this easy and flavorful Indian dish as a standalone meal or as a side to your main course!
Tips:
- Leftover Rice: This recipe is an excellent way to use up leftover rice. Simply reheat and add the spices and vegetables to create a quick meal in no time.
- Vegetable Add-ins: You can also add peas, carrots, or beans to make this dish more hearty and colorful.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your preferred spice level.
- Ghee Alternative: If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the ghee with oil. However, ghee adds a rich flavor that enhances the taste of this dish.
This Quick Pulao with Onions and Tomatoes is not only quick and simple but also packs a punch of flavor, making it an ideal choice for any meal.
