Vegetable Pulao (Pilaf) Recipe

 Here's a classic Vegetable Pulao (Pilaf) Recipe — flavorful, aromatic, and easy to prepare. You can also customize it by adding chicken, lamb, or prawns.

🌾 Vegetable Pulao Recipe (Indian Style)

🕒 Time:

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Total: 40 mins

🧂 Ingredients:

Basmati rice – 1 cup (soaked for 20 minutes, then drained)

Mixed vegetables – 1.5 cups (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes; diced)

Onion – 1 large, thinly sliced

Tomato – 1 medium, chopped (optional)

Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp

Green chili – 1, slit

Whole spices:

Bay leaf – 1

Cinnamon stick – 1 small piece

Green cardamom – 2

Cloves – 3

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

Salt – to taste

Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp

Garam masala – 1/2 tsp

Fresh coriander & mint leaves – chopped (2 tbsp each)

Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp

Water – 2 cups

🔪 Instructions:

1. Sauté spices & onions:

Heat oil or ghee in a pot or pressure cooker.

Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Once they splutter, add sliced onions and sauté until golden.

2. Add aromatics & vegetables:

Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili; sauté for 30 seconds.

Add chopped tomatoes (if using); cook until soft.

Add mixed vegetables, turmeric, salt, and cook for 2–3 minutes.

3. Add rice & cook:

Add the drained rice and gently sauté for 2–3 minutes.

Add 2 cups of water, garam masala, coriander, and mint.

Taste and adjust salt. Bring to a boil.

4. Cook:

Stovetop: Cover and simmer on low for 15–18 minutes or until rice is cooked and water is absorbed.

Pressure cooker: Close the lid and cook on medium heat for 1 whistle. Let the pressure release naturally.

5. Fluff & serve:

Let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Serve hot with raita, pickle, or curry.