Veg Pulao, also called Vegetable Pulao or Pulav, is one of the most popular rice dishes in India. It is made using fragrant basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is very easy to cook and can be prepared in only 30 minutes. Veg Pulao is a perfect meal for lunch or dinner and is commonly served with curd.
Vegetable pulao is not only tasty but also healthy because it contains many vegetables that provide vitamins and nutrients. Many people prefer veg pulao because it is light on the stomach and quick to prepare compared to biryani.
Ingredients for Veg Pulao
To prepare delicious vegetable pulao, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice, 2 cups water
- 25gram oil or ghee
- 1 bay leaf (tej patta)
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2–3 cloves
- 2 greencardamom
- 3onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
- 5 greenchilli (slit)
- 2carrot
- 5 beans (chopped)
- Salt to taste
- 3 teaspoon garam masala
These ingredients are easily available in every Indian kitchen.
How to Make Veg Pulao (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Wash and Soak the Rice
Take 1 cup of basmati rice and wash it properly 2–3 times in water. Soak the rice for about 15–20 minutes. Soaking helps the rice cook evenly and makes the grains long and fluffy.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Chop all vegetables like carrot, beans, and potato into small pieces. Keep green peas ready. You can also add other vegetables like capsicum or cauliflower if you like.
Step 3: Heat Oil
Take a pressure cooker or deep pan and heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee. Ghee gives a richer flavour to the pulao.
Step 4: Add Whole Spices
Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom to the hot oil. Fry for a few seconds until the spices release a nice aroma.
Step 5: Fry Onion
Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn light golden brown. This step adds sweetness and flavour to the pulao.
Step 6: Add Ginger Garlic Paste
Now add ginger garlic paste and green chilli. Cook for about one minute until the raw smell disappears.
Step 7: Add Vegetables
Add chopped vegetables like carrot, beans, peas, and potato. Mix well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Step 8: Add Rice
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the cooker or pan. Mix gently so that the rice does not break.
Step 9: Add Water and Salt
Pour 2 cups of water and add salt according to your taste. Mix everything well.
Step 10: Cook the Pulao
Close the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles. If cooking in a pan, cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
Tips for Perfect Veg Pulao
- Always use basmati rice for better aroma and long grains.
- Soak the rice before cooking.
- Do not stir the rice too much after cooking.
- Use fresh vegetables for better taste.
- Cooking with ghee makes the pulao more flavourful.
Serving Suggestions
Veg pulao tastes best when served hot with:
- Plain curd
- Onion salad
- Lemon pickle
These side dishes enhance the taste of the pulao.
Health Benefits of Veg Pulao
Vegetable pulao is not only delicious but also nutritious. The vegetables provide Fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are good for health. Rice provides energy and keeps you full for a long time. This makes veg pulao a balanced meal for the whole family.