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Vegetable Pulao: Fragrant Rice Perfection

Vegetable Pulao (Fragrant Rice Perfection)

This dish is quite versatile... it can be made with whatever vegies or spices you happen to have on hand." . Also known as Tehri, this Awadhi classic is both humble and hearty. Perfect with cucumber rait
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 3
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ cups basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 1 green chili slit lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 medium carrot diced
  • ½ cup green peas fresh or frozen
  • ½ cup green beans chopped
  • ½ cup cauliflower florets
  • 3 cups water or vegetable stock
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method
 

  1. Heat the ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let the whole spices sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant, then add the sliced onion and sauté until lightly golden. Add the green chili and ginger, followed by the carrot, peas, green beans, and cauliflower, and cook for 3–4 minutes. Stir in the turmeric, garam masala, and salt, then add the drained basmati rice and gently toss everything together for about a minute. Pour in the water or vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, covered, for 5 minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork. Finish with fresh coriander, mint, and lemon juice before serving.

Video

Notes

Don't stir the rice while it cooks. Once you've added the liquid, keep the lid closed and let the rice steam gently. This helps the basmati grains remain long, fluffy, and separate instead of becoming sticky or mushy.