Vegetable Pilaf
A fragrant and colorful one-pot rice dish, where fluffy basmati rice is cooked with mixed vegetables and aromatic whole spices. A perfect, wholesome meal that's ready in under 40 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the rice
- b.Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- c.Soak the rice in fresh water for 20 minutes. Drain completely before use.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté aromatics and vegetables
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the bay leaf, 3 cloves, and 1-inch cinnamon stick. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- e.Stir in the 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup of cashews. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- f.Add the diced carrot and bell pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the pilaf
- b.Add the drained basmati rice to the pot, along with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp cumin powder. Stir gently for 1 minute to toast the rice and spices.
- c.Pour in 2 cups of water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- e.Turn off the heat and let the pilaf stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Uncover the pot and add 1/2 cup of frozen peas on top. Place the lid back on for 2-3 minutes to allow the steam to cook the peas.
- c.Remove the whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick) if desired.
- d.Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the peas.
- e.Garnish with 2 tbsp of fresh chopped coriander leaves and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the basmati rice is crucial for a fluffier texture and to ensure the grains cook up long and separate.
- 2For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the cashews in the dry pan before starting the recipe and set them aside to add at the end.
- 3Don't skip the resting step after cooking; it allows the rice to finish steaming and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or cauliflower along with the carrots and bell peppers.
- 5Ensure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam, which is essential for cooking the rice perfectly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan as it uses vegetable oil. Ensure no dairy products like ghee or yogurt are used for serving.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of cooked chickpeas or 100g of cubed paneer or tofu along with the vegetables for a protein boost.
healthyHealthy
Increase the quantity of vegetables and reduce the cashews. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a higher protein and fiber content.
quickQuick
Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time. You can skip soaking the rice, but the final texture might be less fluffy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Sustained Energy
Basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady release of energy to keep you active throughout the day.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The mix of vegetables like carrots and bell peppers supplies essential vitamins like Vitamin A and C, which are important for immunity and skin health.
Aids Digestion
Spices like cumin and cloves are known for their digestive properties, helping to improve gut health and reduce bloating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Vegetable Pilaf is a healthy and balanced dish. It provides complex carbohydrates from rice for energy, and vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the variety of vegetables. Using minimal oil makes it a nutritious one-pot meal.