Gatte ka Pulao with Egg
Fragrant basmati rice cooked with soft besan gatte, boiled eggs, and warm whole spices makes this Rajasthani-style pulao hearty without feeling too heavy. It is a lovely one-pot style dish for a special lunch or simple dinner spread.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~20 min
Soak the rice and boil the eggs.
1.Wash the basmati rice well and soak it in water for 20 minutes.2.Boil the eggs until firm, about 10 minutes.3.Peel the eggs and set them aside.TIPSoaked rice cooks into separate grains more easily. - mix · ~5 min
Make the gatte dough.
Mix chickpea flour, yogurt, 1 tsp oil, carom seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and 1 pinch salt. Add a little water as needed and bring it together into a firm but smooth dough.
- boil · ~12 min
Shape and boil the gatte.
1.Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and roll each into a long log.2.Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a wide pan.3.Slide in the logs and cook until they float and firm up, about 8 to 10 minutes.4.Lift them out, cool slightly, and slice into bite-size pieces.TIPKeep the dough firm so the gatte hold their shape while boiling. - saute · ~7 min
Cook the spices and onions.
1.Heat the remaining oil in a heavy pan over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.3.Add sliced onion, ginger, and green chili, then cook until the onion turns light golden.4.Stir in coriander powder, garam masala, and 1 pinch salt.TIPCook the onion just to light golden for a pulao that stays fragrant and not heavy. - saute · ~2 min
Add the gatte and eggs.
Add the sliced gatte and peeled eggs to the pan. Turn gently for 2 minutes so they pick up the spices without breaking.
- assemble · ~3 min
Add the rice and cooking liquid.
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Fold gently. Pour in 2 cups water and add the remaining salt, then bring everything together carefully.
- steam · ~20 min
Cover and cook the pulao.
Cover the pan tightly and cook on low heat until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Rest it off the heat for 5 minutes before opening.
TIPLow heat and a tight lid keep the rice fluffy and stop the bottom from catching. - garnish
Garnish with cilantro.
Fluff the pulao gently with a fork, scatter the chopped cilantro over the top, and keep the eggs whole or halved for serving.
- serve
Serve the gatte ka pulao hot.
What to keep in mind.
8 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Keep the gatte dough firm; a soft dough can break apart in the boiling water.
- 2Do not skip soaking the basmati rice, or the grains may cook unevenly and turn less fluffy.
- 3Slice the boiled gatte only after they cool slightly, so the pieces stay neat and do not crumble.
- 4Lightly score the boiled eggs before adding them to the pan if you want the masala to cling better.
- 5Cook the onions only to light golden, not deep brown, so the pulao stays delicate and aromatic.
- 6After adding rice, fold instead of stirring vigorously to avoid breaking the soaked basmati grains.
- 7Let the pulao rest covered for 5 minutes after cooking; this finishes steaming and loosens the grains.
- 8Leftovers reheat best with a small splash of water on low heat, so the rice and gatte do not dry out.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier
Add extra slit green chilies or a little more red chili in the gatte dough for a sharper, hotter pulao.
no eggNo-egg
Skip the eggs for a simpler gatte pulao that still feels hearty and keeps the focus on the besan dumplings.
jain styleJain-style
Omit onion and ginger, and rely on whole spices, green chili, and coriander powder for a lighter Jain-friendly version.
curd richerCurd-richer
Serve with a spoon of plain yogurt on the side for a cooling contrast that suits the warm spices well.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Protein-Rich Meal
Eggs and besan gatte together make this pulao more filling and protein-forward than plain rice dishes.
Good Source of Fiber
Chickpea flour and onions contribute fiber, which adds substance and makes the dish feel satisfying.
Digestive Spice Support
Carom seeds, cumin, ginger, and coriander are traditional spices often used to make hearty dishes feel easier to digest.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Boil and slice the gatte ahead of time, then refrigerate them for a day and add them during the sautéing step.



