Dussehra Special Vegetable Pulao Recipe - Flavorful Festive Rice with Basmati, Spices & Veggies
Ingredients
- Basmati Rice - 2 cups
- Onion - 2 medium (sliced)
- Tomato - 1 medium (chopped)
- Potatoes - 3 medium (cubed)
- Peas - 1/2 cup (boiled)
- Carrots- 1/3 cup (cubed & boiled)
- Green Beans - 3/4 cup (boiled)
- Cilantro - 1/2 cup (chopped)
- Cumin Seeds - 1 tbsp
- Black Peppercorn - 5-6 qty
- Green Cardamom - 4-5 qty
- Black Cardamom - 1 qty
- Cinnamon Stick - 1/2 inch
- Cloves - 4-5 qty
- Bay Leaves - 2 qty
- Yogurt - 1/2 cup
- Oil - 2 tbsp
- Ghee - 2 tbsp
- Ginger/Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
- Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
- Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - 1 1/2 tsp
- Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
- Salt - 2 tsp or to taste
- Briyani Masala Powder (Any Brand) - 1 1/2 tsp
- Water - 4 1/2 cups
Vegetable Pulao is a timeless Indian rice dish that beautifully combines fragrant basmati rice, garden-fresh vegetables, and the rich aroma of whole spices. This festive vegetarian Indian recipe is especially fitting for Dussehra, symbolizing joy and togetherness at the family table.
With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that is both nourishing and flavorful, ideal for sharing with loved ones. Whether served at a holiday feast or enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner, Vegetable Pulao carries the taste of tradition with every bite.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make our one-pot Vegetable Pulao. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our veggie pulao calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Instructions
1) In a bowl, add 2 cups of rice. Rinse thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.
2) In a deep pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat.
3) Once hot, add the whole spices: 1 Tbsp cumin seeds, 5–6 black peppercorns, 4–5 green cardamom pods, ½-inch cinnamon stick, 4–5 cloves, and 2 bay leaves. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4) Add 2 medium onions, thinly sliced, and fry until they turn light golden brown.
5) Stir in 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 1–2 minutes.
6) Add 1 medium chopped tomato along with 1–2 tablespoons of water. Cook until the tomato softens and breaks down.
7) Add the powdered spices: 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1½ teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, and ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.
8) Mix well. Add a splash (1–2 tablespoons) of water to prevent the spices from burning. Cook until the raw smell of the spices disappears.
9) In a small bowl, mix ½ cup yogurt with 1½ teaspoons biryani masala. Add this mixture to the pot and cook until the oil begins to separate and rise to the top.
10) Add the vegetables: 3 medium potatoes, cubed, ⅓ cup cooked carrots, ½ cup boiled peas, ¾ cup boiled green beans, and ½ cup chopped cilantro. Stir to combine.
11) Add ½ cup water, cover the pot, and cook until the potatoes are about 80% done.
12) Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix gently with the vegetables.
13) Pour in 4 cups of water and stir gently to combine.
14) Cover the pot with foil and place the lid tightly on top. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 20 minutes.
15) After 20 minutes, check the bottom of the pot to ensure all the water has been absorbed.
16) Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10–15 minutes.
17) Serve hot with your favorite raita and enjoy!
Enjoy!
Vegetable Pulao is a timeless Indian rice dish that beautifully combines fragrant basmati rice, garden-fresh vegetables, and the rich aroma of whole spices. This festive vegetarian Indian recipe is especially fitting for Dussehra, symbolizing joy and togetherness at the family table.
With simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that is both nourishing and flavorful, ideal for sharing with loved ones. Whether served at a holiday feast or enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner, Vegetable Pulao carries the taste of tradition with every bite.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make our one-pot Vegetable Pulao. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our veggie pulao calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
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