Bagara Rice Veg Recipes Of India: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 5, 2025

Bagara Rice is a beloved recipe from the southern parts of India, particularly popular in Hyderabad and Telangana. This aromatic, mildly spiced rice dish is traditionally prepared during special occasions and festivals, offering a delightful blend of spices and flavors that tantalize the taste buds.

While the classic bagara rice often accompanies rich meat curries like Hyderabadi Biryani or Bagara Baingan, the vegetable variations of bagara rice have carved out their own niche among vegetarian food lovers across India.

Vegetable bagara rice recipes combine wholesome veggies, fragrant spices, and basmati rice to create a wholesome, delicious one-pot meal. These recipes are perfect for those who want a nutritious, flavorful rice dish that is both comforting and exotic.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these veggie bagara rice recipes will inspire you to bring authentic Indian flavors to your dining table effortlessly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetable bagara rice is a celebration of flavors, textures, and aromas. The unique blend of spices like cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves infuses every grain of basmati rice, making it a feast for the senses.

Not only is this dish packed with vibrant vegetables, but it is also easy to customize according to your preference. It’s a great way to sneak in a variety of veggies while enjoying a comforting, wholesome meal.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with many Indian curries and raitas, making it a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

The simplicity of preparation combined with the richness of taste is what makes vegetable bagara rice a beloved dish in many Indian households. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even lunchboxes, keeping you nourished and satisfied.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil works well)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2-3 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 medium tomato, chopped
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes, chopped)
  • 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional for heat)
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups water
  • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
  • Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

Equipment

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

Instructions

  1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
  3. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
  5. Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Stir in the mixed vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  8. Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
  9. Add the drained rice and gently stir to mix with the vegetable-spice mixture without breaking the rice grains.
  10. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring to a boil.
  11. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked and water is absorbed. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 2 whistles on medium heat, then turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
  12. Turn off heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  13. Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice over the rice and gently mix before serving.

Tips & Variations

For fluffier rice, be sure not to overcook or stir too much after cooking.

You can swap the mixed vegetables with your favorites or seasonal veggies like bell peppers, corn, or baby corn.

Add a handful of roasted cashews or fried onions on top for extra texture and flavor.

For a vegan version, simply use oil and skip any dairy accompaniments.

Try substituting water with vegetable broth for a richer taste.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 60 g
Protein 6 g
Fat 5 g
Fiber 4 g
Sodium 350 mg
Vitamin A 20% DV
Vitamin C 18% DV

Serving Suggestions

Bagara rice veg pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian sides. Serve it alongside a cooling cucumber raita or a tangy tomato chutney to balance the spices.

For a complete meal, consider pairing it with rich dals like Half Runner Beans Recipe or a creamy vegetable curry.

If you want to indulge in a sweet treat after, try the delightful Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to round off your meal.

Conclusion

Vegetable bagara rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine right to your kitchen. Its aromatic spices combined with wholesome vegetables make it a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also offers plenty of room for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or available ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, bagara rice veg recipes will surely become a cherished staple in your culinary collection.

So, next time you crave something comforting yet exotic, give this vegetable bagara rice recipe a try and enjoy the rich flavors and aromas that Indian cuisine has to offer. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a delightful accompaniment or snack!

đź“– Recipe Card: Bagara Rice Veg

Description: Bagara Rice is a flavorful Hyderabadi rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and mixed vegetables. This vegetarian version is rich, fragrant, and perfect as a main or side dish.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon; sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced onions and ginger-garlic paste; cook until onions turn golden.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add drained rice and salt; stir gently to combine with spices and vegetables.
  6. Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
  7. Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
  8. Turn off heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  9. Serve hot with raita or curry.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bagara Rice Veg”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “Bagara Rice is a flavorful Hyderabadi rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and mixed vegetables. This vegetarian version is rich, fragrant, and perfect as a main or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup basmati rice”, “2 tablespoons oil”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “2 green cardamom pods”, “4 cloves”, “1 bay leaf”, “1 small cinnamon stick”, “1 medium onion, thinly sliced”, “1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)”, “1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste”, “2 cups water”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon; saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions and ginger-garlic paste; cook until onions turn golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and saut\u00e9 for 2-3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add drained rice and salt; stir gently to combine with spices and vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Turn off heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with raita or curry.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X