Looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful Indian rice dish? This Classic Vegetable Pulao made with premium Cooky Choice Basmati Rice is your perfect go-to! Lightly spiced, colorful, and incredibly aromatic, it’s ideal for weekday meals, lunchboxes, or festive occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Pulao
✅ Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
✅ Packed with fresh vegetables and whole spices
✅ Perfect use for basmati rice – long, fluffy, and fragrant
✅ A healthy vegetarian rice recipe for all seasons
✅ Great with raita, curry, or even on its own!
Ingredients for Vegetable Pulao
Serves: 3–4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup Cooky Choice Basmati Rice
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/4 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup cauliflower florets (optional)
Whole Spices:
- 1 bay leaf
- 2–3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
Others:
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander or mint leaves, for garnish
How to Cook Classic Vegetable Pulao (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Rinse and Soak Basmati Rice
- Wash rice 2–3 times until water runs clear.
- Soak for 20 minutes, then drain completely.
Step 2: Sauté Whole Spices
- Heat oil or ghee in a pot. Add cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms, and cloves. Let them sizzle.
Step 3: Add Onions & Aromatics
- Add sliced onions, sauté until golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Toss in Vegetables
- Add carrots, beans, peas, and cauliflower. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Rice & Cook
- Add drained rice. Stir gently.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and salt to taste.
- Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes on low heat (or pressure cook for 1 whistle).
Step 6: Rest and Fluff
- Let the pulao sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Cucumber Raita or Boondi Raita
- Spicy pickle
- Papad
- Or pair with dal tadka for a comforting Indian meal.
Keyword Highlights:
- Easy vegetable pulao recipe
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Final Tips from Cooky Choice:
- For extra richness, add a handful of roasted cashews.
- Using Cooky Choice Basmati Rice ensures each grain remains long, fluffy, and aromatic.
- Make it in bulk and refrigerate — pulao tastes even better the next day!
