This mildly spiced and aromatic vegetable pulao has the warmth of whole garam masala, the goodness of ghee, and the delicate aroma of Basmati rice.
This post contains lots of helpful tips and tricks to help you make the perfect one-pot rice dish. However, if you are in a rush, please use the "Jump to Recipe" link or any of the "Jump to" links below to get to the section that you want.
This vegetable pulao is my absolute go-to, comfort dish 😍 (this Indian curry pasta and teriyaki noodles as well).
This dish is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a worthy centerpiece for any meal. That's why I often choose it as the main course for our Sunday lunch gatherings and when we have guests over.
Do you have a favorite one-pot dish that you love making for your family? Do let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. Padma
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What makes this pulao recipe so special?
Well, to start with: basmati rice + ghee + spices = pure bliss!
and then:
💚 It is mild and delicious and can be the perfect vehicle for any side dish.
💚 A family-friendly recipe - kids from as little as 10 months old can have this dish (be sure to remove the whole spices and nuts, though!)
💚 A one-pot rice dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
💚 It has so many vegetables!
Allergens Free Labels
This recipe is free of these allergens:
- Gluten
- Dairy
- Soy
- Alliums
You can make this a plant-based recipe and a nut-free one - see notes.
Ingredients for recipe of veg pulao
Some of the spices here may require a trip to an Indian store, but the effort is well worth it!
See the recipe card for quantities.
Veggies: I use pantry staples - potatoes, carrots, and green beans. You can add vegetables if you wish (see notes below).
Ghee: I use homemade ghee. Want to make it vegan? Read the notes below.
Spices: This recipe calls for whole garam masala. Black cardamom adds a deep, earthy flavor to the dish.
Lime juice: Adding a dash of this lifts the flavor of the entire dish, plus helps in keeping the rice grains white and fluffy.
Rice: Traditionally pulao of any kind is made with basmati rice only. You can, however, use any other fragrant / long-grain rice.
Have a question regarding the ingredients? Feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will try my best to answer it for you.
Instructions
This rice pulao can be made in a stovetop pressure cooker, instant pot, or electric cooker. However, I like to make mine on the stovetop.
Let's make this deliciously aromatic vegetable pulao.
It is so easy and with my tips, you will make it to perfection 🙂
Also, see the video at the end of the recipe card.
Step 1: To begin with, wash the basmati in water 2-3 times or until the water runs clear. Soak in (tap) water for 20 minutes.
Step 2: While the rice is soaking, wash and chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized cubes and the green beans into 1-inch pieces.
Do not peel the carrots and potatoes.
To avoid discoloration, keep the chopped potatoes in water till it is time to use them.
Step 3: Crush the ginger and peppercorns into a coarse paste. Keep aside.
Measure all the other spices and ingredients. Keep an additional ¼ cup of water (or stock) handy, just in case you might need to add more.
Step 4: Place a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Add the ghee. When the ghee is warm, add the bay leaf, cinnamon, and the other whole garam masala spices.
Step 5: In a few seconds, the spices will begin to sizzle. Now add in the broken cashew nuts and fry for a few seconds. Add the masala paste. Fry for a few seconds. Add the chopped veggies and rice. Mix, gently, to coat the rice grains with the ghee.
Step 6: Add the hot water, dried mint leaves, salt, and lime juice. Stir. Make sure that all the rice and veggies are submerged in water.
Bring to a boil. Turn the heat to medium-low. Cover, and cook till the rice and veggies absorb all the water and are cooked through.
This will take 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the rice.
Step 7: Take the lid off and with the big spoon, gently, fluff up the rice. Check that the veggies are cooked through (pierce them with a knife/spoon to check).
The mark of a well-made pulao is that every grain of rice should be cooked perfectly and still retain its shape.
Step 8: Remove from heat, cover, and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve warm with sides of your choice. See serving suggestions below.
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Notes and tips for the perfect veg pulao
Making pulao may sound daunting, but trust me, it is not complicated at all! Just follow the steps and these tips /notes and you will be on your way to pulao perfection!
Garnishes (optional): To add more flavor and color, garnish the finished dish with all or any of these: finely chopped coriander leaves; fresh mint leaves; a teaspoon of garam masala powder.
Nut-free? Yes, quite simple - just omit the cashews and you have a nut-free vegetable pulao recipe!
Flavor boost: Add all or any of these for additional flavor
- ½ cup thinly sliced onions. Add these after you have added the whole spices and fry them till they are soft and turning pink.
- 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste along with the onions.
- Use coconut milk in place of water and make it coconut milk pulao!
- Use stock (vegetable or any other) in place of water for additional flavor and nutrition.
What is difference between biryani and pulao?
Biryani and Pulao are quite different from each other.
1. In biryani, the rice is cooked separately and then add to the spices. While in pulao, the rice is cooked along with the vegetables and spices.
2. Pulao is a mild dish with simple spices used mainly for aroma. Biryani, on the other hand, is spicy and requires many spices to get the perfect taste.
3. Typically pulao is an allium-free dish (has no onion and no garlic) whereas biryani requires quite a lot of onion, ginger, and garlic for flavor.
Top tips for making the perfect veg pulao:
- Rinse and soak: Rinse the basmati 2-3 times in cold (tap) water (to remove the starchiness) and then soak. Soaking the rice will help cook the rice faster. Rinsing the rice will ensure that the rice, when cooked, is not mushy and sticky.
- Do not soak the rice for too long. Soaking for a longer time will cause the rice grains to break while cooking. A soaking time of 20 - 30 minutes is good enough.
- The ratio: Of water to Basmati, as a rule of thumb, is 1: 1 and ½. That is for every 1 cup of rice, you need to add 1 and ½ cups of water (or stock).
- Always use hot water or stock. This is important. Adding cold or (tap) water will bring down the overall temperature and slow down the cooking process.
- Toasting the rice and veggies in ghee (or oil) is an important step for perfectly cooked singular grains.
Have any questions? Feel free to pop them in the comments box below. I will be happy to answer them - Padma
Substitutions and storage
Vegetables: I keep it simple. Just three vegetables - potatoes, green beans, and carrots. The idea is to choose vegetables that can hold their shape well. Other vegetables that will work well for the recipe: are broccoli, cauliflower, and green peas. The veggies that will not work for this recipe are tomatoes and spinach.
Swaps:
- Potatoes with sweet potatoes.
- White basmati with brown basmati (you will need to add ¼ cup more water than what I have mentioned here and soak for 10 minutes more).
- Make it vegan: Use any oil of your choice - coconut oil will work superbly well!
- Basmati or any other rice? This dish is traditionally made with long-grain rice. If you do not have Basmati handy, use any other type of rice that you wish. Just make sure it is not the type that becomes mushy.
Storage and making ahead: This one-pot rice dish is the perfect dish for making ahead. The spices get time to mingle with each other and the dish tastes even more incredible!
It will stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Make sure the dish is completely cool and then store it in a glass container with a lid.
Serving suggestions
On most occasions, I love having this dish warm and on its own. However, I also love having it in these combinations:
- On an "I am rushed off my feet" kind of day, I pair it with this punchy and zingy 5 minutes, cilantro mint chutney or with this speedy cucumber raita or an onion tomato raita.
- On the days when I have a bit more time on hand to make a sumptuous meal, I like to have it with this nutritious green moong dal and tomato raitha, and this spiced onions salad for that extra hit of spice!
How are you planning to serve this dish? Do let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. - Padma
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pulao is a one-pot dish made with rice, vegetables, and protein which are cooked with mild spices to give a creamy, rich taste.
Biryani and Pulao are quite different from each other.
1. In biryani, the rice is cooked separately and then add to the spices. While in pulao, the rice is cooked along with the vegetables and spices.
2. Pulao is a mild dish with simple spices used mainly for aroma. Biryani, on the other hand, is spicy and requires many spices to get the perfect taste.
Since pulao is a mild dish, it goes well with almost any side dish! Most commonly a spicy gravy dish called Salan is served with pulao. Raita is another common side dish.
Pulao is a mild and light dish. It is gently spiced with whole spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaf. The ghee adds a caramel, nutty flavor to the dish. Traditionally pulao is made with Basmati rice which is a highly fragrant rice variety.
If you have made this vegetable pulao recipe, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. This will make me super happy and motivate me to create more good content for you! You can also engage with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram xx Padma
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📖 Recipe
Super Easy and Fragrant Vegetable Pulao
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven (or any wide, heavy bottomed deep pan with lid)
- 1 ladle
- 1 mortar and pestle
- 1 kettle or saucepan (for heating water)
Ingredients
Rice and veggies
- 1 cup basmati rice (200 grams, approximately)
- 3 medium sized carrots (180 grams, approximately)
- 15 green beans (70 grams, approximately)
- 2 medium sized potatoes (150 grams, approximately)
- 1 and ½ cups hot water
Spices
- 1 black cardamom
- 4 green cardamoms
- 1 inch piece cinnamon
- 1 bay leaf
- 15-20 black peppercorns
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger
- 5-6 cloves
flavor ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cashewnuts (10-12 of them)
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 3 tablespoons ghee
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Soak the rice
- To begin with, wash the basmati in water 2-3 times or until the water runs clear. Soak in (tap) water for 20 minutes.1 cup basmati rice
Prep the veggies
- While the rice is soaking, wash and chop the carrots and potatoes into bite-sized cubes and the green beans into 1-inch pieces. There is no need to peel the carrots and potatoes.3 medium sized carrots, 15 green beans, 2 medium sized potatoes
The spices
- Crush the ginger and peppercorns to a coarse paste. Keep aside.1 inch piece fresh ginger, 15-20 black peppercorns
- Measure the other spices.1 black cardamom, 4 green cardamoms, 1 inch piece cinnamon, 1 bay leaf, 5-6 cloves
- Keep the rest of the ingredients measured and ready. Break the cashew nuts into 2-3 pieces.1 and ½ cups hot water, 1 tablespoon cashewnuts, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 3 tablespoons ghee, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 2 teaspoons salt
Let's make the pulao
- Place a Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pan on medium-high heat. Add the ghee.3 tablespoons ghee
- When the ghee is warm, add the whole garam masala spices.1 black cardamom, 4 green cardamoms, 1 inch piece cinnamon, 1 bay leaf, 5-6 cloves
- In a few seconds, the spices will begin to sizzle. Now add in the broken cashew nuts and fry for a few seconds.1 tablespoon cashewnuts
- Add the crushed ginger and black pepper. Fry for a few seconds.1 inch piece fresh ginger, 15-20 black peppercorns
- Add the chopped veggies and rice. Mix, gently, to coat the grains of rice with ghee.3 medium sized carrots, 15 green beans, 2 medium sized potatoes
- Add the hot water, dried mint, salt, and lime juice. Stir. Make sure that all the rice and veggies are submerged in water. Bring to boil. Turn the heat to medium-low, cover and cook till the rice and veggies are cooked through. This will take 10 - 15 minutes, depending on the rice.1 and ½ cups hot water, 1 teaspoon dried mint, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Remove the lid and with the ladle, gently, fluff up the rice.The mark of a well-made pulao is that every grain of rice should be cooked perfectly and still retain its shape.
- Check that the veggies are cooked through (pierce them with a knife/spoon to check).
- Remove from heat, cover and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with side of your choice.
- If you want to make a simple meal, have this aromatic pulao with cilantro mint chutney. To make a more sumptuous meal, pair it with green moong dal and cucumber raita.
Video
Notes
- More vegetables? Sure! Cauliflower, broccoli, and green peas will work well in this recipe. Bear in mind to include only vegetables that can hold their shape through the cooking process.
- Want to make it vegan? Traditionally this recipe is meant to be rich and therefore made with ghee. To make it vegan, just replace the ghee with the oil of your choice.
- Soaking and cooking basmati rice: Rinse the rice in cold water at least twice. This will remove the starchiness of the rice. Do not soak the rice for more than 20 minutes. Soaking it for too long will cook the rice grains quicker than the vegetables and the rice will end up being mushy.
- Do not have basmati rice? No problem! Use any other type of rice that you have. You might also have to adjust the quantity of water you use.
- Water or stock?: I like the recipe simple with just water. You can add vegetable stock instead of water. Be it the water or stock that you are using, make sure that it is hot. Adding cold water/stock will slow down the cooking process.
- Other garnishes that will work well: are finely chopped coriander leaves; mint leaves; ground garam masala.
Alternative quantities provided in the recipe card are for 1x only.
Note: The nutrition information is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Seema says
Everything I make this pulao it transports me back to my childhood. Till date I love this recipe for pulao.
Padma Kumar says
Thank you Seema, I am honored!
Erin says
I have never tried vegetable pulao before, and was so intrigued to make this! I love that it's super easy, and the flavors and aroma are amazing! I subbed vegan butter for ghee and it tasted great ... thanks for the recipe!
Padma Kumar says
Vegan butter sounds like a great idea, thanks for trying it Erin.
Tavo says
The Vegetable Pulao was a delightful surprise! I was skeptical about the no onion, no garlic part, but you proved me wrong. The flavors were robust and the rice was perfectly cooked. Thanks for sharing a recipe that's both delicious and sensitive to dietary restrictions!
Padma Kumar says
Thank you Tavo. You have made my day!
Amber says
This dish looks absolutely delicious! My mother in law is returning to India this month and we were just discussing how to cook over there with the price of onions being insane.
I'm so forwarding her this recipe!
Padma Kumar says
It is great to have such recipe handy, you are right! Thank you.
Choclette says
Wow, not surprised this vegetable pulao is your go-to comfort food. It sounds delicious. Love those spices.
Conchetta says
Easy and full of flavor. I love the Garam Masala- and it smells so good- this dish brought my family to the kitchen. We all enjoyed. TY
Padma Kumar says
Thank you so much.