Skip to content

Vegetable Pulao – Fragrant Rice with Veggies

Vegetable Pulao is a fragrant one-pot rice dish cooked with basmati rice, assorted vegetables, and whole spices. Lighter than biryani yet equally flavorful, it is a staple in Indian households, often served for lunchboxes, festive meals, or as a side dish to rich curries.

Nutrition & Benefits:
Made with vegetables like peas, carrots, beans, and cauliflower, pulao provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while rice offers energy. It’s a balanced vegetarian meal.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

  • Pair with raita, papad, or pickle for a wholesome meal.

  • Add paneer or soya chunks for extra protein.

  • Use coconut milk for a South Indian-style pulao.

Cooking Tips:

  • Wash rice thoroughly and soak before cooking for fluffy texture.

  • Use ghee for rich flavor or oil for a lighter version.

  • Do not overcook vegetables; they should stay slightly crunchy.

FAQs:

  • Is Vegetable Pulao the same as Biryani? → No, biryani is layered and more complex; pulao is a simpler one-pot dish.

  • Can I cook pulao without a pressure cooker? → Yes, it can be made in a pan with tight-fitting lid.

  • How can I make it spicier? → Add green chilies, garam masala, or extra whole spices.

Vegetable Pulao – Fragrant Rice with Veggies

Vegetable Pulao is a fragrant North Indian rice dish made with basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic whole spices. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian, North Indian
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup basmati rice soaked 20 min
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 1 carrot chopped
  • ½ cup green peas
  • ½ cup beans chopped
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 bay leaf 2 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Heat oil/ghee, add cumin seeds, whole spices, sauté until aromatic.
  2. Add onions, ginger-garlic paste, cook till golden.
  3. Stir in vegetables, sauté for 5 minutes.
  4. Add soaked rice, spices, mix gently.
  5. Pour in water, cook covered until rice is fluffy.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve with raita (boondi, cucumber, or mint).
  • Goes well with dal tadka or paneer curries.
  • Add papad and pickle for a complete meal.