Jeweled Vegetable Pulao
Fragrant basmati rice cooked with a medley of colorful vegetables and whole spices. This festive one-pot dish gets its 'jeweled' name from the vibrant pops of peas, carrots, beans and bell peppers nestled among long-grain rice. Light yet satisfying, it pairs beautifully with raita and papad.
For 4 servings
- prep
Wash and soak the rice.
1.Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice in cold water until water runs clear.2.Soak in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain completely.TIPSoaking the rice helps the grains elongate and stay separate after cooking. - prep
Prep all the vegetables.
1.Dice carrot into small cubes, chop green beans into 1/2 inch pieces.2.Dice bell pepper into small cubes.3.Slit green chilies lengthwise and thinly slice the onion. - saute · ~2 min
Temper the whole spices.
1.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.2.Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.3.Add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.TIPDon't let the spices burn — medium heat is enough to release their aroma. - saute · ~8 min
Sauté onions and aromatics.
1.Add sliced onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.2.Stir in ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook until the raw smell disappears, about 1 minute.TIPStir occasionally and don't rush the browning — golden onions build the flavor base. - saute · ~5 min
Cook the vegetables.
1.Add diced carrot and green beans first. Sauté for 3 minutes.2.Add green peas and diced bell pepper. Sauté for another 2 minutes.3.Sprinkle turmeric powder and garam masala. Mix well.TIPAdding vegetables in order of cooking time ensures everything is perfectly tender. - simmer · ~15 min
Add rice and water, then cook.
1.Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the grains with ghee and spices.2.Pour in 2.25 cups water and add salt. Stir once gently.3.Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.4.Simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed and rice is tender.TIPOnce you cover the pot, resist the urge to stir — it breaks the grains. - rest · ~5 min
Rest the pulao before serving.
1.Turn off the heat and let the covered pot rest for 5 minutes.2.Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.TIPResting allows steam to redistribute, giving you perfectly separate grains. - garnish
Finish with fresh herbs and lemon juice.
1.Drizzle lemon juice over the rice and sprinkle chopped coriander and mint.2.Fold gently with a fork to combine without mashing the rice.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soak basmati rice for exactly 20 minutes to ensure long, separate grains after cooking.
- 2Sauté onions until deep golden brown to build a rich, sweet flavor base for the pulao.
- 3Add carrots and beans before peas and bell pepper to ensure even doneness.
- 4Use a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight lid to trap steam and cook rice evenly.
- 5Let the pulao rest covered for 5 minutes off heat before fluffing with a fork.
- 6Fluff with a fork, not a spatula, to keep grains whole and avoid clumping.
- 7Garnish with fresh mint and coriander just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. This makes the dish entirely plant-based without losing the aromatic tempering.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1/2 cup of paneer cubes (gently fried) or boiled chickpeas along with the peas. This boosts the protein content for a more filling meal.
low oilLow-oil
Use only 1 tablespoon of ghee and sauté vegetables in a non-stick pan. The flavor is slightly milder but still aromatic, reducing total fat.
jainJain
Omit onion, garlic, and ginger. Use asafoetida (hing) in the tempering for a similar savory depth, and add extra peas and carrots for bulk.
nutty & dried fruitNutty & dried fruit
Add 2 tablespoons each of toasted cashews and golden raisins in the last 2 minutes of sautéing. This introduces a sweet crunch characteristic of festive Indian pulao.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
The medley of carrots, green beans, peas, and bell pepper provides a diverse range of fiber, which supports healthy digestion and prolonged satiety.
Good Source of Vitamin A
Carrots and bell peppers are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A for healthy vision and immune function.
Low in Saturated Fat
Using only 2 tablespoons of ghee in a dish that serves 4-5 keeps saturated fat moderate, with most calories coming from wholesome grains and vegetables.
Plant-Based Protein
Basmati rice combined with green peas provides a modest complete protein when eaten together, offering a light but sustaining meal.
Antioxidant Spices
Turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom add antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, enhancing the dish beyond basic nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, frozen peas work very well — add them straight from the freezer to the pot. Thawed frozen carrots and beans can be used but may be slightly softer than fresh.
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