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)
Creamy, tangy, and rich homemade yogurt, a staple in every Indian household. This simple recipe uses just two ingredients to create perfect, thick dahi every time, ideal for raitas, curries, or enjoying plain.
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.
Aromatic, energy-giving Veg Pulao with cool dahi & crispy papad – a kid-approved, gut-friendly meal!
This punjabi dish is perfect for dinner. With 629.02 calories and 22.419999999999998g of protein per serving, it's a nutritious choice 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: 1 cup
163cal
9gprotein
13gcarbs
9gfat
Ingredients
1 L Full-Fat Milk (Whole milk provides the creamiest texture. Avoid UHT milk as it may not set well.)
2 tbsp Plain Yogurt (Use a good quality, live culture yogurt as a starter. Ensure it's at room temperature.)
Instructions
1
Boil and Thicken Milk
Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent it from boiling over.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming and to stop it from scorching at the bottom. This step helps thicken the milk, resulting in creamier dahi.
2
Cool Milk to the Right Temperature
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the milk to cool down until it is lukewarm. The ideal temperature is between 40-45°C (105-115°F).
To test without a thermometer, dip a clean finger into the milk. It should feel comfortably warm, not hot. You should be able to hold your finger in for about 10 seconds.
3
Inoculate with Starter
In a small bowl, whisk the starter yogurt (dahi) until it is smooth and lump-free.
Add a few tablespoons of the warm milk to the whisked starter and mix well. This tempers the starter and ensures it mixes evenly without curdling.
Pour this tempered starter mixture into the pot with the rest of the lukewarm milk and stir gently 2-3 times to combine everything.
4
Set the Dahi to Ferment
Transfer the milk mixture into a setting container, such as a clay pot (matka), glass bowl, or steel pot.
Cover the container with a lid and place it in a warm, draft-free place for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. Do not disturb it during this time.
In colder climates, you can place the container in a preheated (and turned off) oven, a microwave with the light on, or wrap it in a thick towel to maintain warmth.
5
Chill and Serve
After 6-8 hours, check if the dahi is set. It should be firm and not jiggle like a liquid when gently tilted.
Once set, transfer the container to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3-4 hours. Chilling stops the fermentation process (preventing it from becoming too sour) and helps it thicken further.
Serve chilled as a side, use it to make raita, or enjoy it plain.
