Aromatic basmati rice cooked with a medley of fresh vegetables and fragrant spices. This one-pot meal is a comforting and wholesome choice for a quick lunch or dinner, often served with raita.
Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Soak30 min
Servings4
Serving size: 1 serving
369cal
8gprotein
67gcarbs
Ingredients
1.5 cup Basmati Rice (Rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
2 tbsp Ghee (Can be substituted with oil for a vegan version)
A refreshing and crunchy yogurt dip made with tiny fried chickpea flour balls (boondi). This classic North Indian side dish is the perfect cooling accompaniment to spicy curries and biryanis, ready in just 5 minutes.
A classic Indian accompaniment, these lentil crisps are roasted directly over a flame until blistered and smoky. Ready in seconds, it's the perfect crunchy side for any dal, rice, or curry meal.
About Vegetable Pulao, Boondi Raita and Roasted Papad
Aromatic, fiber-rich vegetable pulao with gut-friendly raita – a comforting, soul-satisfying meal for all!
This indian and north_indian and bihari dish is perfect for lunch or dinner. With 578.54 calories and 18.4g of protein per serving, it's a low-fat option for your meal plan.
7gfat
(Slit lengthwise)
0.5 cup Carrot (Diced)
0.5 cup Green Peas (Fresh or frozen)
0.5 cup Green Beans (Chopped into 1-inch pieces)
0.5 cup Cauliflower Florets (Cut into small pieces)
0.25 tsp Turmeric Powder
0.5 tsp Garam Masala
1.5 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
3 cup Water (Use 2.5 cups for pressure cooker)
2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)
1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Optional, for freshness)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Rice
Gently rinse 1.5 cups of basmati rice under cool water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch.
Soak the rinsed rice in enough water to cover it for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water completely and set the rice aside.
2
Sauté Spices and Aromatics
Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Once the ghee is hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds.
Add the whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and 2 crushed green cardamoms. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until it turns translucent and light golden at the edges.
Stir in 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste and 2 slit green chilies. Cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
3
Cook Vegetables and Rice
Add all the chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower) to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
Sprinkle in 0.25 tsp turmeric powder and 0.5 tsp garam masala. Mix well and cook for another minute.
Add the drained, soaked rice to the pot. Gently stir for 1 minute to coat the rice with the ghee and spices, being careful not to break the grains.
4
Cook the Pulao
Pour in water (3 cups for pot, 2.5 cups for pressure cooker) and 1.5 tsp of salt. Give it a final gentle stir.
For Pressure Cooker: Secure the lid. Cook on high heat for 2 whistles. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally (about 10-15 minutes).
For Pot Method: Bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
5
Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once cooked, let the pulao rest, covered, for at least 5-10 minutes. This helps the grains to firm up.
Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Drizzle with 1 tbsp of lemon juice (if using) and garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh chopped coriander leaves.
Serve hot with a side of raita, yogurt, or papad.
4
Serving size: 0.5 cup
112cal
5gprotein
9gcarbs
7gfat
Ingredients
1 cup Plain Yogurt (Use full-fat and well-chilled)
0.5 cup Boondi (Plain or salted variety)
0.25 cup Water (Chilled, or as needed for consistency)
0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
0.25 tsp Kala Namak (Also known as black salt)
0.25 tsp Red Chili Powder (Optional, adjust to taste)
0.25 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
0.25 tsp Sugar (Optional, to balance the tang)
1 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Finely chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Boondi
Place the boondi in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for 1-2 minutes until they are just soft.
Carefully drain the water and gently squeeze the boondi between your palms to remove excess water. Set aside.
2
Prepare the Spiced Yogurt
In a medium bowl, add the chilled plain yogurt and whisk vigorously until it is completely smooth and creamy.
Gradually whisk in the chilled water until you reach your desired consistency.
Add the roasted cumin powder, kala namak, red chili powder, salt, and optional sugar. Mix until all the spices are well incorporated.
3
Combine and Serve
Just before serving, add the soaked and squeezed boondi to the spiced yogurt.
Gently fold the boondi into the yogurt mixture.
Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve immediately for the best texture.
