Looking for a quick, aromatic, and satisfying vegetarian main course? This Veg Pulao is the perfect dish—packed with fragrant spices, fresh vegetables, and fluffy basmati rice. It’s an easy one-pot meal that pairs beautifully with raita, pickle, or any curry. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 tbsp ghee or butter
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4 dry red chilies (sliced)
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1 large onion (sliced)
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1 tsp ginger paste
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1 tsp garlic paste
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1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
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1 tsp homemade garam masala (or 2 tsp store-bought)
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¼ tsp turmeric powder
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¼ cup potatoes (cubed)
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¼ cup carrots (cubed)
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½ cup cauliflower florets
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¼ cup beans (chopped)
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3 tbsp fresh green peas
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Handful of mint leaves
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Handful of coriander leaves
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2 cups basmati rice (washed & drained)
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1½ tsp salt
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4 cups hot water
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1 tsp lemon or lime juice
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Extra 2 tbsp ghee or butter (for finishing)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Tempering the Spices
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Heat 4 tbsp ghee or butter in a deep pan.
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Once hot, reduce the flame to medium and add sliced dry red chilies. Sauté for 10-15 seconds until fragrant.
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Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
2. Adding Aromatics
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Stir in ginger paste and garlic paste. Sauté for 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
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Add Kashmiri chili powder, garam masala, and turmeric powder. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
3. Cooking the Vegetables
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Add potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, beans, and green peas.
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Toss in mint and coriander leaves for freshness.
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Add washed basmati rice and salt. Roast everything for 3 minutes on medium heat.
4. Simmering the Pulao
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Pour in 4 cups hot water (ratio: 2 cups water per 1 cup rice).
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Add lemon juice (helps prevent rice from sticking).
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Bring to a rolling boil, then cover and cook on low flame for 8-10 minutes until the water is absorbed.
5. Finishing Touches
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Once done, fluff the rice gently with a fork.
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Drizzle 2 tbsp ghee or butter on top for extra richness.
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Cover and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Veg Pulao is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
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Raita (yogurt dip)
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Pickle or papad
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Gravy-based curries (like paneer butter masala or dal tadka)
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Perfect rice texture – Basmati rice stays fluffy and separate.
✅ Balanced spices – Not too spicy, yet full of flavor.
✅ One-pot convenience – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
Final Thoughts
This Veg Pulao is a foolproof recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions. The aromatic spices, tender veggies, and buttery rice make it an irresistible dish.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! 😊
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