Pulav Veg Recipes: Easy, Delicious Meals to Try Today

Pulav, also known as pilaf, is a beloved one-pot rice dish that is both aromatic and packed with vibrant vegetables. It’s a staple in many households due to its ease of preparation and incredible flavor.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quick weekday meal, a well-made vegetable pulav is satisfying and wholesome. The combination of fragrant basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and warming spices creates a perfect harmony of taste and texture that will delight your taste buds.

Vegetable pulav is incredibly versatile. It can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices, making it a perfect dish for all seasons.

Its colorful presentation and nutritional balance make it an excellent choice for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a tasty yet healthy meal. In this post, you’ll discover a detailed recipe for a classic veg pulav along with tips, variations, and serving ideas that will make you love this dish all over again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetable pulav recipe is simple to make, requiring just one pot and minimal preparation time, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The spices used are traditional yet subtle enough to enhance rather than overpower the fresh vegetable flavors.

It’s a nutritious and balanced dish, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from a variety of vegetables.

The recipe is highly adaptable—whether you want to add paneer, nuts, or switch up the veggies, it’ll still turn out delicious. Plus, the beautiful colors and enticing aroma make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, making it a must-have in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, bell peppers), chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water (adjust as needed)
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Optional: roasted cashews or almonds for garnish

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Strainer for rinsing rice
• Serving bowl or plate

Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice in water for 20 minutes. This helps to get fluffy, separate grains after cooking.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until the spices release their aroma, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. This step adds sweetness and depth to your pulav.
4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chili (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add the chopped tomato, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomato softens and the masala blends well, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently mix to coat the rice with spices and vegetables.
8. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Check seasoning and adjust salt if necessary.
9. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed. Avoid opening the lid frequently.
10. Turn off the heat and let the pulav rest for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice gently with a fork.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and roasted nuts if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“For the best pulav texture, always soak your rice and use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and burning.”

• Use a pressure cooker to cut down cooking time—just 2 whistles after adding water should suffice.
• Add paneer cubes or tofu for extra protein.
• Try different vegetable combinations depending on the season—cauliflower, corn, and baby corn work wonderfully.
• For a richer flavor, substitute water with vegetable broth or add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk.
• If you prefer a nuttier taste, include some fried cashews or almonds along with raisins.
• For a low-oil version, use a non-stick pan and reduce the oil to 1 tablespoon.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetable pulav pairs beautifully with cooling sides such as yogurt raita or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spices. You can also serve it alongside a tangy pickle or a bowl of dal for a complete meal.

For a festive touch, garnish with fried onions and chopped mint leaves.

If you’re looking to complement this dish with other flavorful vegetarian meals, consider trying the Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore or the Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.

Both provide exciting flavors that pair wonderfully with pulav.

Conclusion

Vegetable pulav is a timeless classic that brings together simplicity and flavor in a wholesome package. This recipe offers a perfect balance of fragrant spices, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and inviting aroma.

With its easy-to-follow instructions and adaptable ingredients, you can tailor this pulav to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Don’t forget to explore other delicious vegetarian recipes like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or the Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners to round out your meal.

Enjoy your cooking adventure and happy eating!

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