Easy Veg Pulao Recipe | How to Make Vegetable Pulao at Home.

Veg Pulao is the ideal option if you're searching for a quick, nutritious, and tasty rice dish that will appeal to all. In addition to being delicious, this fragrant rice recipe is easy to make at home because it is full of vegetables and mild spices. Vegetable pulao is a healthy one-pot meal that always looks good, whether it's served for lunch, dinner, or even a special occasion.

Veg Pulao: What is it?
Vegetable pulao, or veg pulao, is a mildly spiced rice dish made with whole spices, mixed vegetables, and aromatic basmati rice. Pulao is lighter, easier to digest, and cooks more quickly than biryani, which is rich and heavy. For a full meal, it can be served with papad, pickles, or raita.

Components of Veg Pulao
To make a delicious pulao at home, you'll need the following basic ingredients:

• One cup of washed and soaked basmati rice
• Two tablespoons of ghee or oil
• One medium onion, cut into slices
• One tomato (optional, chopped)
• One cup of mixed vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, beans, peas, and capsicum
• One teaspoon of garlic-ginger paste
• Two to three slit green chilies
• Whole spices: one bay leaf, three to four cloves, two to three green cardamoms, a one-inch cinnamon stick, and one optional star anise.
• One teaspoon of cumin seeds
• Add salt to taste.
• Two cups of water
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Wash basmati rice well in advance until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for roughly 20 minutes and then drain. This will enable the rice to cook separately and fluffy.

Step 2: Saute the Spices

Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker. Put the whole spices and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and send out fragrance.

Step 3: Add Onions and Vegetables

Add the onions that you have chopped and sauté until it turns golden brown in color. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Add the chopped vegetables and stir them for 3- 4 minutes on medium heat.

Step 4: Add Rice and Water

Add the pan rice which has been soaked and gently mix it with vegetables. Add 2 cups of water, salt as per taste, and boil.

Step 5: Cook the Pulao

Close the pan and cook on low heat till rice is cooked and water evaporates (approximately 12–15 minutes). If you are using a pressure cooker, wait for 1 whistle and then switch off.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Fluff the rice if you desire with a fork. Place some fresh coriander leaves over the top and have it hot with raita or salad.

Tips for the Perfect Veg Pulao
Soak basmati rice always before cooking to achieve long, fluffy grains.
Use fresh seasonal vegetables for optimal flavor and nutrition.
For added richness, substitute oil with ghee.
You may add cashews or raisins for a celebratory effect.