What is Pulav?

Pulav is a one-pot dish where basmati rice is cooked with aromatic spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat. It is a popular and flavorful dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Vegetable Pulav is a famous dish for its simplicity, versatility, and the ability to be customized with various vegetables and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans etc.)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 
• 1 tomato, finely chopped
• 1 potato, Cut into small pieces 
• 2 green chilies, slit (optional)
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3-4 cloves
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Rinse and Soak Rice

• Rinse basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
• Soak the rice in water for 15 minutes and drain.

Step 2: Prepare Vegetables

• Wash, peel and finely chop the vegetables of your choice ( carrots, beans, Onion, Tomato, Potato etc)

Step 3: Saute the spices

• Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pressure cooker
• Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Saute until aromatic.
• Add finely chopped onions and cook properly 
• Add ginger-garlic paste and saute for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

• Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, and cashews  (optional).
• Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
• Add cut vegetables and cook for a few minutes.

Step 5: Add Spices

• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. Mix well.

Step 6: Cooking Rice

• Add soaked and drained basmati rice to the pressure cooker. Stir gently to mix the rice with the masala.
• Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes, 3-4 whistles).

Step 7:  Garnishing

• Once the rice is cooked, Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step 8: Serving

• Serve hot Vegetable Pulav with raita, plain curd or any side dish of your choice.

Enjoy the Vegetable Pulav – a perfect dish for a wholesome and satisfying meal!