Soul food made with rice & seasonal vegetables.
Benefits
Namaste🙏
Vegetable Pulao is a beloved Indian rice dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with a medley of colorful vegetables, aromatic spices, and herbs. Its versatility and delicious flavor make it a staple in Indian households.
Vegetable pulao is a soul satisfying meal, which gets ready in like 15 minutes. It is rich in all major minerals, because of the goodness of vegetables. Rice has starch, and is a staple diet of many regions in india.
Vegetable Pulao is also referred to as Veg biryani. Often, there is a conflict between non vegetarians & vegetarians, claiming that there is no such thing as veg biryani. Like everyone, I also have a take on the same. I believe for vegetarians, a good blend of spices with vegetables can give them the same foodgasms like biryani gives to non vegetarians 😉.
- It is a rich source of nutrients as vegetables of all kinds go in it.
- It is filling, keeps you full for a longer period of time.
- It keeps your digestive tract clean, digests quickly which means it makes blood quickly.
- The food gives you clear skin & a clean gut.
Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish at home!
Recipe, Serving – 2 persons
Vegetable Pulao is quite easy to prepare, with all ingredients available in your kitchen or readily available at any local store near you. It is soul filling & keeps you full for a longer period of time. This is a main course meal. Good for Lunch or dinner. Please add the vegetables as per your choice.
All you need – Ingredients:
- Two cups of basmati rice
- 3 big spoons of cooking oil.
- 3 cloves of garlic grated
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- Whole spices: 2 green cardamom pods, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick
- Ground spices: 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup of green peas (as per choice)
- Tofu (as per choice)
- 1/2 cup chopped beans (as per choice)
- Quarter Bell Pepper, chopped (as per choice)
- Cauliflower (as per choice)
- Cilantro chopped for garnishing
Recipe and Preparation of Ingredients:
A. Preparing the Vegetables:
- Wash, peel, and chop the carrot into small cubes.
- Trim the ends of the beans and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
- If using fresh peas, shell them. If you use frozen peas, you can thaw them.
B. Rinsing and Soaking Rice:
- Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. – Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. This helps the rice grains cook uniformly.
C. Preparing Aromatic Base:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
D. Making the Pulao:
A. Sautéing and Toasting Spices:
- Add the whole spices (cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick) along with the ground spices (cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder) to the aromatic base. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
B. Adding Vegetables and Rice:
- Add the chopped vegetables to the pot and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the soaked and drained rice. Gently mix to ensure the rice is well-coated with the spices.
C. Cooking Process:
- Pour in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Once cooked, fluff the Vegetable Pulao gently with a fork. Allow it to rest, covered, for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to settle.
- Serve the hot Vegetable Pulao with yogurt, raita, or a side of pickles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and mint leaves for an added burst of flavor.
Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) along with their answers for the Vegetable Pulao recipe:
FAQs – Vegetable Pulao Recipe
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute basmati rice with brown rice for a healthier option. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time and slightly more liquid.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones?
A: Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the dish.
Q: What if I don’t have all the whole spices mentioned in the recipe?
A: If you don’t have specific whole spices, you can omit them or substitute with what you have on hand. For example, you can use a pinch of ground cardamom instead of a whole pod.
Q: Can I make Vegetable Pulao in a pressure cooker?
A: Yes, you can make Vegetable Pulao in a pressure cooker. Follow the same steps until adding water. Then, close the cooker, bring it to pressure, and cook for about 2 whistles on medium heat.
Q: Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking?
A: Soaking the rice is recommended as it helps the rice cook more evenly. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but be prepared for a slightly longer cooking process.
Q: Can I customize the vegetables used in the recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. Just be mindful of cooking times – firmer vegetables may require a bit longer to cook.
Q: How can I adjust the level of spiciness in the Pulao?
A: You can control the spiciness by adjusting the quantity of ground spices like red chili powder or adding fresh green chilies according to your taste.
Q: Can I make Vegetable Pulao in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare Vegetable Pulao ahead of time. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently before serving.
Q: What can I serve with Vegetable Pulao for a complete meal?
A: Vegetable Pulao pairs well with yogurt, raita (yogurt-based side dish), pickles, or a side salad. You can also serve it with a protein like grilled chicken, paneer, or chickpeas for a complete meal.
Q: Can I make this dish vegan?
A: Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of ghee and substitute dairy-free alternatives for any dairy ingredients. This will make the dish completely vegan-friendly.
Remember to adjust the recipe based on your dietary preferences and any allergies you may have. Enjoy your Vegetable Pulao!