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masala pulao

Masala Pulao Recipe

Masala pulao is a quick, one-pot basmati rice dish with vegetables and aromatic Indian spices.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 340 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pressure Cooker
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Cutting board and knife
  • 2 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups basmati rice washed and soaked for 20–30 minutes
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 small stick cinnamon
  • 1 green cardamom
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 4 cloves
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 2 green chilies slit
  • ½ cup carrots chopped
  • ½ cup green beans chopped
  • 1 medium potato diced
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp coriander powder
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 4 cups water adjust depending on desired texture
  • 1 tsp ghee optional, for aroma
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a pressure cooker, heat oil or ghee on medium flame.
  • Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cumin seeds, and cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add chopped onions and slit green chilies. Sauté Onions & Chilies and cook until onions are soft and golden.
  • Mix in chopped carrots, green beans, and diced potatoes. Sauté vegetables for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Stir well to coat the veggies. For crunch, you can add fried moong dal badi and mix.
  • Add the soaked rice, water, salt, and a spoon of ghee (optional). Mix everything gently.
  • Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame for 3–4 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally. Fluff the pulao rice with a fork. Garnish pulao with chopped coriander. Serve hot with raita or salad.

Notes

  • You can use long-grain basmati rice for best texture.
  • Adjust green chili and spice level to make it mild for kids.
  • Swap fresh vegetables with frozen if in a hurry.
  • Note: Calories may vary based on ingredients used to make pulao and portion size.
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