Basmati Veg Pulao Recipe Easy and Flavorful Guide

Basmati veg pulao is a beloved one-pot dish that brings together fragrant basmati rice, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices to create a wholesome and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful side dish for a special occasion, this pulao recipe is your go-to solution.

The delicate nutty flavor of basmati rice combined with the colorful mix of veggies makes every bite a delight. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and spices.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to master the perfect fluffiness of basmati rice while infusing it with the subtle warmth of cumin, cloves, and bay leaves. It’s vegan-friendly, naturally gluten-free, and packed with nutrients.

So, let’s dive in and bring a touch of Indian culinary magic to your kitchen with this delicious basmati veg pulao recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This basmati veg pulao recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s quick to prepare, making it excellent for busy days, yet tastes like a dish you’d find in your favorite Indian restaurant.

The use of whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves adds layers of aroma that elevate the humble pulao to a gourmet experience. The vegetables add both texture and nutrition, turning this pulao into a complete meal.

Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can easily swap vegetables based on seasonality or preference, and adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe caters to all skill levels. It also pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads and raita, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or festive occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, bell peppers)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fried cashews or almonds for garnish

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker
• Strainer or fine sieve
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving bowl or platter

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20-30 minutes, then drain using a strainer.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step adds sweetness and depth to the pulao.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes. This softens the veggies slightly and allows them to absorb the spices.
6. Sprinkle turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly.
7. Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir to combine everything without breaking the rice grains.
8. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed.
9. Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This helps the rice grains firm up and separate nicely.
10. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and fried nuts if using, then serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For the fluffiest pulao, always soak basmati rice before cooking and avoid stirring the rice while it cooks.

You can customize this pulao by adding your favorite vegetables such as corn, mushrooms, or baby corn. For a protein boost, toss in some cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes.

If you like a touch of sweetness, raisins can be added along with fried nuts.

For a richer flavor, replace water with vegetable broth. To make it a one-pot meal with more depth, try adding a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk before cooking the rice.

This will give your pulao a beautiful golden hue and a subtle floral aroma.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This basmati veg pulao pairs beautifully with cooling sides like cucumber raita or a simple yogurt salad. You can also serve it alongside a spicy curry or dal for a more elaborate meal.

If you’d like to keep it light, a fresh green salad with lemon dressing complements the dish wonderfully.

For a festive touch, try serving it with some crispy papad and a squeeze of fresh lime. It also goes well with Indian breads like naan or paratha.

Interested in exploring more Indian-inspired dishes? Check out our Kikkoman Stir Fry Sauce Recipe for a quick flavor boost or whip up a comforting Green Goodness Juice Recipe to accompany your meal.

Conclusion

Basmati veg pulao is a timeless classic that combines ease, nutrition, and incredible flavor in one pot. Its fragrant spices and colorful vegetables make it as appetizing as it is nourishing.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with minimal effort.

By mastering this pulao, you gain a versatile base for many meals, ready to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen.

For a delightful dessert to finish your meal, try our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Basmati Veg Pulao”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fragrant and colorful rice dish made with basmati rice and mixed vegetables. Perfect as a wholesome meal or a side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1.5 cups basmati rice”, “2 tablespoons ghee or oil”, “1 teaspoon cumin seeds”, “1 bay leaf”, “1 inch cinnamon stick”, “4 green cardamom pods”, “1 medium onion, thinly sliced”, “1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)”, “2.5 cups water”, “1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh coriander leaves for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse basmati rice and soak for 20 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat ghee in a pot, add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom; saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions and saut\u00e9 until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and saut\u00e9 for 3-4 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add drained rice and salt, stir gently to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour water and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is done and water absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Turn off heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “48 g”}}