Veg pulao or veg pulav is a classic Indian dish combining aromatic spices and flavourful basmati rice. This is a quick & easy recipe that anyone can make within one hour. Whether you want to pack veg pulao for tiffin or make a tasty dinner after a lazy and tiring day, veg pulao is a healthy option. The dish is a staple Indian favourite that makes its way to wedding menus and is cooked at least once every month in almost everyone's houses.
Estimated Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients for Veg Pulao Restaurant style
Basmati Rice (150 gm)
1 Capsicum
Green Beans (50-100gm)
1-2 carrots
2 Bay Leaves
Black Pepper (Not powder; 5-6 small pieces)
White pepper (same as black pepper)
2 Dried Red Chillies
4-5 Cloves
1 Small Cinnamon
1 Cardamom
3 Tablespoon Salt
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Ghee
1 Tablespoon Oil ( I have used Sunflower Oil)
The ingredients are affordable and you can find them easily in your nearby bazaars.
Calories in Veg Pulao for 1 person = Approximately 266
How to prepare veg pulao?
Here's a step-by-step guide for you to cook this tasty dish.
Step 1: Wash your vegetables thoroughly and let them dry. Rinse the basmati rice 3 times. Strain the rice water and let it dry properly. Meanwhile, finely chop your veggies like capsicum, carrot, and green beans.
Step 2: Get ready to boil the rice. For that, we would need a pot. Any pot should be fine here. Please note that we have to boil the rice completely. Strain the boiled water in a sink. Keep the rice aside for now.
Step 3: Take a pan or kadai. Heat it for 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon of ghee to the Kadai. Keep adding dry spices like black pepper, white pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and dried chilies. Let the spices cook on low heat for 30 seconds.
Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Pour the veggies and let it cook for 3-4 mins on low flame. 1 tablespoon of salt and sugar should be added after this.
Step 6: Cook the vegetables for 3-4 mins on medium heat and stir them a few times now and then.
Step 7: Turn off the oven and add the rice you kept aside a few minutes ago. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. You have to stir the rice slowly now.
Step 8: Turn on the stove after 30 seconds. Cook the rice for 4-5 mins with the lid on and keep stirring the rice every 20 seconds.
What goes best with veg pulao?
You can serve any paneer or mixed veg gravy with veg pulao to make the combination more flavourful. Here's a list if you are confused regarding what to eat with veg pulao:
Raita
Pickle
Dal makhani or Tadka Dal
Mint or coriander chutney
Papadum chutney
Fried Vegetables