Pulao Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Rice Dish

Pulao Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Rice Dish

Introduction:
Pulao, also known as pilaf, is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish made with basmati rice and a variety of vegetables or meat, cooked together with aromatic spices. It is a versatile and easy-to-make dish, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Pulao is often served as a side dish with curries or enjoyed on its own with yogurt or raita. With its mild flavors and simple preparation, it’s a comforting dish suitable for any occasion.

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Ingredients:

For the Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice (chawal)
• 2 cups water (pani)
• 1 cinnamon stick (dalchini)
• 2-3 cloves (laung)
• 2-3 green cardamom pods (elaichi)
• 1 bay leaf (tej patta)
• Salt (namak) to taste

For the Pulao Masala:

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil (tel)
• 1 onion (pyaaz), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (adrak-lehsun ka paste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhania powder)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans) (sabzi)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (dahi)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (nimbu ka ras)
• 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves (hara dhania), chopped
• 1/4 cup mint leaves (pudina), chopped

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Steps to Prepare Pulao:

1. Cook the Rice:

• Wash 1 cup basmati rice (chawal) thoroughly and soak it for 20-30 minutes.

• In a large pan, bring 2 cups of water (pani) to a boil. Add cinnamon stick (dalchini), cloves (laung), green cardamom pods (elaichi), bay leaf (tej patta), and salt (namak) to the water.

• Add the soaked rice and cook until it is about 70% cooked. Drain the rice and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Pulao Masala:

• Heat 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil (tel) in a pan.

• Add cumin seeds (jeera) and sauté for a few seconds until they crackle.

• Add the sliced onion (pyaaz) and cook until golden brown.

• Add 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (adrak-lehsun ka paste) and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

• Add coriander powder (dhania powder), garam masala powder, and turmeric powder (haldi). Stir well.

3. Cook the Vegetables:

• Add the mixed vegetables (sabzi) to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes.

• Add 1/2 cup yogurt (dahi) and mix well, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.

4. Layer the Rice:

• Add the partially cooked rice to the vegetable mixture and gently mix it.

• Add the lemon juice (nimbu ka ras), fresh coriander leaves (hara dhania), and mint leaves (pudina).

• Stir to combine everything, then cover the pan and cook on low heat (dum) for 10-15 minutes.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the pulao is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

• Serve the pulao hot with raita, salad, or a side curry of your choice.

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Conclusion:
Pulao is a flavorful and easy-to-make rice dish that combines aromatic spices and tender vegetables or meat. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side to curries and other Indian meals. This simple recipe will bring the essence of traditional pulao to your home, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive meal, pulao is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends!