Dish

📝 Introduction (SEO optimized)

Veg Pulao is one of the most loved Indian rice dishes. It is light, aromatic, full of vegetables, and makes a complete meal in itself. Whether you want a quick weekday lunch, a comforting dinner, or a festive dish for guests, Veg Pulao Recipe always comes to the rescue. This wholesome recipe is cooked with basmati rice, fresh seasonal vegetables, and Indian spices that make it flavorful and aromatic.

The best part is that Veg Pulao Recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with raita, salad, or pickle. It is also a great option for lunch boxes and family gatherings.

🥕 Ingredients for Veg Pulao

For Rice

• 1.5 cups basmati rice (soaked for 20 minutes)

• 3 cups water

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil

Vegetables (you can add as per choice)

• 1 cup carrots, chopped

• 1 cup beans, chopped

• 1 cup green peas

• 1 potato, diced

• 1 onion, thinly sliced

• 1 tomato, chopped

• 1 capsicum, diced

Whole Spices

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3–4 green cardamoms

• 4–5 cloves

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 star anise (optional)

Ground Spices

• 1 tsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• Salt to taste

Garnishing

• Fresh coriander leaves

• Fried onions (optional)

• Lemon wedges

🍳 Method: How to Make Veg Pulao Recipe

1. Preparation:
   Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes. Drain and keep aside. Chop all vegetables evenly.

2. Sautéing:
   Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and star anise. Sauté until aromatic.

3. Cooking Vegetables:
   Add sliced onions and sauté until golden. Add tomatoes, carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, and capsicum. Stir well.

4. Add Spices:
   Mix in turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and garam masala. Cook for 2 minutes.

5. Add Rice and Water:
   Add soaked rice, gently mix, and pour in 3 cups water. Cover and cook until rice is fluffy and water is absorbed (1 whistle in pressure cooker or 15–18 minutes in pan).

6. Garnish & Serve:
   Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and fried onions.

💡 Tips for Perfect Veg Pulao Recipe

• Always use long-grain basmati rice for the best flavor and texture.

• Soaking rice helps in getting fluffy and non-sticky pulao.

• Adjust spice level as per taste.

• You can add cashews, raisins, and paneer for a royal touch.

• Cook in coconut milk instead of water for a South Indian style Veg Pulao.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• With Raita: Cucumber raita, boondi raita, or mint raita.

• With Salad: Onion-tomato-cucumber salad with lemon.

• With Curry: Paneer butter masala, dal makhani, or chole.

• With Pickle & Papad: Classic Indian touch.

📌 Health Benefits of Veg Pulao Recipe

• Packed with fiber-rich vegetables.

• Rice + veggies make a balanced meal.

• Easy to digest and gluten-free.

• Nutritious one-pot dish for kids and adults.

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  Health/Nutrition Site:
  👉 “Rice and vegetables together provide a balanced meal. According to Healthline, rice is gluten-free and easy to digest.”Cooking Techniques:
  👉 “Learn more about Indian spices and their uses.”

❓ FAQ About Veg Pulao Recipe

Q1. Can I make Veg Pulao without onion and garlic?
👉 Yes, simply skip onion and garlic. Use more whole spices for flavor.

Q2. Which rice is best for pulao?
👉 Basmati rice is best, but you can also use sona masoori or kolam rice.

Q3. Can I cook veg pulao in an Instant Pot?
👉 Yes! Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes and release naturally.

Q4. How to make pulao more festive?
👉 Add fried cashews, raisins, and saffron milk.