Green Moong Dal Pulao With Vegetables Recipe
Description:
Green Moong Dal Pulao With Vegetables is a vibrant, wholesome, and flavorful dish that perfectly blends the goodness of green moong dal with the freshness of vegetables. This recipe was born out of a desire to pack more protein into the kids’ lunchboxes. The combination of spices, vegetables, and fragrant rice offers a delightful, nutritious meal that is not only filling but also rich in taste. It is a one-pot dish that is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying, making it an ideal choice for a fulfilling lunch.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Onion | 1, roughly chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch piece |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped or pureed |
| Green beans | 1/2 cup, finely chopped |
| Carrots | 2, finely chopped |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Moong Dal (Whole) | 1 cup, soaked for 5 to 6 hours |
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 2-1/2 cups |
Preparation Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak the Green Moong Dal and Rice:
- Begin by soaking the green moong dal for 5 to 6 hours or overnight to ensure it cooks evenly. Similarly, soak the rice in 2 cups of water for about an hour. After soaking, drain the water from both the rice and the dal and set them aside.
-
Cook the Spices and Aromatics:
- In a pressure cooker, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods. Allow these spices to release their aromatic flavors.
- Stir in 1-inch finely chopped ginger, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 slit green chillies. Sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, with a mild, sweet aroma developing.
-
Add Tomatoes and Turmeric:
- Stir in 2 finely chopped or pureed tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder. Cook the tomato mixture for a few minutes until the tomatoes are softened and cooked through, releasing their natural juices and flavors.
-
Combine Rice, Dal, Vegetables, and Water:
- Add the drained rice, soaked green moong dal, 1/2 cup chopped green beans, and 2 finely chopped carrots to the pressure cooker. Stir the mixture gently, ensuring that the rice, dal, and vegetables are evenly coated with the spices and ghee.
- Season the dish with salt to taste. Add 2-1/2 cups of water to the mixture, stirring it in so that everything is well combined.
-
Pressure Cook the Pulao:
- Close the pressure cooker lid and cook the Green Moong Dal Pulao for 3 to 4 whistles. Afterward, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
-
Finishing Touches:
- Once the pressure has released, open the pressure cooker carefully. Gently fluff the pulao with a fork to mix the rice and dal. Stir in freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Transfer the Green Moong Dal Pulao With Vegetables to a serving dish and serve hot. This nutritious and hearty one-pot meal pairs wonderfully with a side of Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita, and crispy Papad for added texture.
Notes:
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or potatoes to enhance the nutritional value and taste.
- Adjust Spices: You can adjust the number of green chillies and the amount of turmeric to suit your taste preferences.
This Green Moong Dal Pulao With Vegetables is a comforting and nourishing meal, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome lunch packed with flavor and protein. Whether you’re packing it for a lunchbox or serving it as a family meal, this dish will surely become a favorite.
