Rice is an indispensable staple in Indian households and often features on dinner tables. Here are a few quick and easy rice recipes for busy days.
This Nutty Lemon Rice is an irresistibly flavorful dish adorned with crispy fried peanuts.
1. Vegetable Pulao
Vegetable pulao is an Indian rice recipe made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables and whole spices. It makes for a quick weeknight dinner that pairs well with various Indian curries and dals.
Vegetable pulao is truly exceptional when made with quality whole spices. Cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, cloves, black peppercorns and cardamoms are all necessary components; though you can substitute some of them for similar results – the flavor and aroma will not be quite the same.
Begin by heating ghee in a saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the ghee is hot, add cumin seeds and fry until they turn golden brown. Next, add cloves and cardamoms; continue to fry for one more minute.
Once the aroma has released, add all of the green vegetables and saute for several minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they are lightly cooked.
Now add the soaked and drained rice to the mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure all grains are fully incorporated.
Add water and season to taste with salt. Cook over low flame until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid and your vegetable pulao is done.
This recipe works best in a pressure cooker, but you can also cook it in a pot. Just be sure to cover the bottom of the pot so that the vegetables don’t dry out.
After cooking, let the vegetable pulao cool for at least 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. Doing so helps the rice become fluffy. Serve this delicious dish with raita or any other salad or side dish of your choice.
2. Mixed Vegetable Pulao
This popular Indian one pot rice dish with vegetables and Indian spices can be prepared in a pressure cooker, Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It’s nutritious, filling, and makes an ideal quick lunch or dinner on the go.
Vegetable Pulao is an easy, nutritious dish that can be served with raita and salad for a complete meal. Not only that, but it can easily fit in kids’ lunch boxes or office lunches too – perfect for everyone!
To prepare mixed vegetable pulao, first you need to cook the vegetables in oil. Afterwards, you can add the soaked and drained rice.
Next, add a pinch of salt and red chili powder. After all the ingredients have been cooked, you can then add two cups of water.
Once the water comes to a boil, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked through. Fluff the pulao with a fork for additional fluffiness.
You can serve this pulao with raita or green chutney on the side for a complete meal. You could also add fried soya chunks for additional flavor and taste.
Vegetable pulao is an excellent way to utilize leftover vegetables. It also makes an impressive recipe for parties or special meals, since it takes only 30 minutes to prepare and provides a nutritious meal.
3. Vegetable Pulao with Tomatoes
Vegetable pulao is an easy and tasty meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It’s popular among Indian families as a main dish or side dish to other meals.
Vegetable pulao is made with rice, vegetables and spices. For extra flavorful dishes you can add coconut milk or water for additional moisture.
To prepare this recipe, begin by washing the rice and soaking it in water for 30 minutes. Next, boil the water and add in the drained rice; mix thoroughly. After the water has boiled, cover the pot and cook over low heat until the rice is soft and fluffy.
Once the rice has cooked, stir in your vegetables of choice. You can mix and match different veggies or just pick your favorites. Including vegetables will boost nutrition levels in your dish while making it more filling.
After some time has passed, add the tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy. You may also add carrots, potatoes, french beans, and peas at this stage.
After the mixture has cooked for one minute, add turmeric powder and garam masala; saute for one more minute.
To finish, stir in slit green chilies and thinly sliced onions. You can also add fried soya chunks for additional texture and flavor.
To garnish the dish, you can garnish with mint and coriander leaves. Serve it with raita or plain yogurt for an added touch.
4. Vegetable Pulao with Potatoes
Vegetable pulao is one of the quickest rice recipes, taking only 30 minutes to prepare. It makes an ideal healthy lunch box recipe and pairs perfectly with raita or salad for extra nutrition.
This pulao is spicy, flavorful and nutritious – made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables and whole spices. It makes an ideal choice to serve during dinner parties or as a weeknight meal.
To prepare vegetable pulao, begin by washing and soaking long grain basmati rice for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly to remove any sticky residue, then drain the water from the soaked grains and keep them separate.
Heat 2 tablespoons ghee in a pan. Add black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, green cardamom and cumin seeds and saute for some time to release their aroma.
Once the aroma begins to fade away, add thinly sliced onions and saute for several minutes.
Add chopped potato and cooked peas and mix everything thoroughly. You may also add carrots or french beans for additional flavor in this pulao.
Finally, season to taste with salt. Stir thoroughly and cook for one more minute.
Vegetable pulao can be made in either a pressure cooker or on-top kadai. For the latter, add 1 cup of water and cook on high pressure for 4 whistles; once done, turn off the flame and allow the pressure to release naturally.
If you don’t own a pressure cooker, vegetable pulao can be cooked in a kadai over medium high flame. Once done, switch off the heat and allow to cool slightly before fluffing with a fork. This recipe makes an wholesome dish that pairs perfectly with any Indian raita or salad.
5. Vegetable Pulao with Capsicum
Vegetable pulao with capsicum is an easy-to-prepare one-pot meal made of vegetables and rice. It’s popular in Indian cuisine, especially during fasting days. Plus, this dish requires minimal ingredients and takes just minutes to make! For added nutrition, serve it alongside raita or plain curd for extra creaminess.
Vegetable pulao is the ideal meal to customize to your personal preference. Add spices, herbs and dry fruits for an irresistible flavor that also serves as a great way to get more veggies into your diet!
This vegetarian pulao is packed with flavorful spices and makes an ideal lunchbox recipe. You can prepare the masala base ahead of time and store it for quick and effortless meals throughout the week.
Start by heating a pan with oil and ghee over medium-high heat. Once the ghee is hot, add cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, cumin seeds and saute until fragrant. Next add onions and green chilies; fry for several minutes or until onions turn translucent.
Now, add the remaining vegetables and a pinch of salt, cooking over low heat until tender. After the vegetables have finished cooking, stir in the soaked and strained rice and mix everything together thoroughly.
For an extra special touch, garnish this dish with fried onions, green coriander, cashews and some raisins. Serve hot with raita or plain curd for a comforting meal that won’t disappoint.
This vegetarian pulao recipe is an energizing, one-pot meal packed with protein and essential nutrients – perfect for those on a weight loss journey! With rice, mixed vegetables and flavorful spices, you’ll feel full and satisfied for hours after eating it.