Easy Pulao Recipe

 

Easy Pulao Recipe

This easy and flavorful pulao is a one-pot dish made with fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and vegetables. It's perfect for a quick and comforting meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Vegetarian
Yield: 3-4 servings

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 3-4 whole cloves
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables & Spices

1. Add carrots and peas, stirring well.
2. Sprinkle turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix to coat the vegetables.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to combine with the spices and vegetables.
2. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Step 4: Fluff & Serve

1. Turn off the heat and let the pulao sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.

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Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 6g

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Tips & Variations:

✔ For a protein boost, add cooked chickpeas or paneer.
✔ For a richer taste, use coconut milk instead of water.
✔ For a spicier version, add green chilies or red chili powder.

Other Variations:

Easy Chicken Pulao Recipe

This one-pot chicken pulao is packed with aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fragrant basmati rice. It's a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Yield: 3-4 servings

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 250g (½ lb) boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 3-4 whole cloves
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
2. Sprinkle turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken with spices.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
2. Pour in water or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Step 4: Fluff & Serve

1. Turn off the heat and let the pulao sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff with a fork, garnish with cilantro, and serve warm.

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Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 10g

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Tips & Variations:

✔ For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk.
✔ For more heat, add green chilies while sautéing the onions.
✔ For a complete meal, serve with raita and a side salad.

Easy Shrimp Pulao Recipe

This fragrant shrimp pulao is a quick and flavorful one-pot dish made with aromatic basmati rice, succulent shrimp, and warm Indian spices. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Yield: 3-4 servings

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Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 15 minutes
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 250g (½ lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 3-4 whole cloves
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water or seafood broth
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• ½ lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

1. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
2. Sprinkle turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder, red chili powder (if using), and salt. Mix well to coat the shrimp with spices.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to combine.
2. Pour in water or seafood broth and bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.

Step 4: Fluff & Serve

1. Turn off the heat and let the pulao sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff with a fork, squeeze in lemon juice, and garnish with cilantro.
3. Serve warm with raita or yogurt.

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Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 38g
• Fat: 8g

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Tips & Variations:

✔ For extra flavor, use seafood broth instead of water.
✔ For a spicier kick, add a chopped green chili while sautéing the onions.
✔ For a richer taste, add a splash of coconut milk while cooking.

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