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    Home » Rice

    Veg Pulao Recipe {2 ways} Mild & Spicy Vegetable Pulav

    Published: Jul 20, 2015 · Last Modified: Apr 14, 2020 by Kanan Patel / 15 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe

    A perfect veg pulao recipe! Light and fluffy, never sticky, and deliciously tasty flavorful, plus it’s super easy to make. It is nothing but Indian style rice pilaf. The step by step photos will show you how to make pulao rice at home.

    Here I am sharing 2 methods for making vegetable pulao. One is restaurant style, mild flavored, aromatic veg pulav. Second is full of spices (masala), homestyle, spicy veg pulao.

    Spicy Veg Pulao Recipe
    Spicy Veg Pulao (Masala Pulao)

    Which rice is best for pulao rice?

    Always use good quality Basmati rice. Because basmati rice has long grains and is very fragrant once cooked. Aged basmati rice gives very good results. I have good experience with Tilda, Royal, and 24 Mantra organic basmati rice.

    Here are the quick links to jump directly - 
    version 1 (mild, aromatic)
    version 2 (spicy).

    Other two methods are also shared on the blog - veg pulao in pressure cooker (traditional stovetop) and Instant pot veg pulao.

    Mild, Restaurant style Veg Pulao!

    • This is one-pot method and requires a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. 
    • Each and every rice grains are separated (non-sticky) and fluffy.
    • Lots of whole spices are added which makes the pulao rice very aromatic and flavorful.
    • When it comes to spice powders, only salt, pepper and garam masala are added.
    • Instead of garam masala, you can use readymade or homemade pulao or biryani masala.
    • You can double or triple the recipe. Always follow the 1:2 ratio of rice to water. Meaning you need 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice.
    how to make veg pulao
    Mild, Aromatic, Restaurant Style Veg Pulao

    How to make Vegetable pulao (Hotel style)

    1) Wash rice under running cold water till water runs clear. Or rinse the rice 2-3 times or till the water is not cloudy anymore. Then soak in enough water for 20 minutes.
    Soaking rice in the water

    2) After 20 minutes, drain the water.
    drained, soaked rice

    3) While rice is soaking, let’s do the prep work. Chop all the veggies and keep them aside.
    chopped veggies for vegetable pulav

    4) Also, keep whole spices ready.
    whole spices for veg pulao

    5) Heat the oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then add whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, cardamom and bay leaf). Saute for a minute. You will get a nice aroma of the spices.
    tempering of spices for pulao

    6) Add onions and cook for 2 minutes or till they get translucent or light pink in color.
    cooking onions

    7) Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies. Mix well and saute for a minute or till the raw smell of ginger garlic goes away.
    adding ginger, garlic, green chilies

    8) Add tomato, cook for a minute.
    cooking tomatoes

    9) Add the rest of the veggies (carrots, green beans, potato, peas). Mix well.
    adding veggies

    10) Add salt, pepper and garam masala. Stir well and cook for a minute.
    adding salt, pepper and garam masala

    11) Add lemon juice.
    adding lemon juice

    12) Mix in the soaked drained rice and saute the rice, veggies for 1-2 minutes.
    mixing rice and veggies

    13) Add water, crank the heat to high. Let the water come to a boil.
    adding water to make pulao recipe

    14) Once it starts boiling, LOWER the heat to lowest possible. Cover with the lid. Let it cook for 17-18 minutes.
    NOTE: Do not peek or open the lid while it is cooking. Put the timer for 17 minutes. meantime do other tasks. e.g. make raita or salad to go with it or roast papad while pulao is cooking.
    cover with the lid and cook pulao

    15) After 17 minutes, turn off the stove. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes. Then open the lid.
    NOTE: Once pulao is cooked. It is important to let it rest for 5 minutes covered. Within this 5 minutes, rice grains will firm up. So they will not get mushy when you fluff up or stir.
    pulao is ready

    16) Fluff up the rice with a fork and mix gently. So the rice grains do not break.
    fluff up the veg pulao with fork

    You can add chopped coriander leaves or mint leaves at the end. It gives very refreshing flavors. 

    veg pulao recipe (rice pilaf)

    Spicy Veg Pulao (Masala Pulao)

    This pulao recipe is different than usual vegetable pulao. All the time we make or get from the restaurants the mild flavored vegetable pulao. I have already shared that recipe above and it does not require any spice powders except a touch of garam masala. While this one uses basic Indian spice powders.

    The name of the dish mentions ‘spicy’ term. But actually, this pulao is not that fiery spicy. The term is added here just to differentiate it from the regular veg pulao. mild vs spiced.

    Any kind of pulao or mixed rice is good to pack in a lunch box. It works for both kids and adults. If making for kids then you can reduce the chili powder and green chili in the recipe.

    Addition of veggies is up to you. You can add potato, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, baby corns. Only make sure that you cut the veggies of the desired size, so that can be boiled along with rice within 10-12 minutes. E.g. if using cauliflower, then cut into smaller florets. So it is cooked in 10-12 minutes.

    How to make spicy veg pulao?

    1) Wash the rice under running cold water till water runs clear. Soak them in enough water for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the veggies for pulao.

    2) After soaking time, discard the water and let it drain.

    3) Add the drained rice into a saucepan. Also add carrot, beans and green peas along with some salt.
    Soaked rice and veggies in a saucepan

    4) Add water, turn the heat on medium. Once the water starts boiling, cook for 10-12 minutes or till the rice and veggies are soft and tender (not mushy). Do stir once or twice in between and make sure that it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    rice and veggies are cooking

    5) Drain all the water. Spread out the cooked rice and veggies on the plate. Let it cool down for 15-20 minutes. So it gets some time to firm up. And will not break while stirring with spices later on.
    cooked rice and veggies for masala pulao

    6) Heat the oil in a pan on medium. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then add the cinnamon stick and cloves. Fry for 40-50 seconds, you will get a nice aroma of spices.
    tempering cumin seeds and whole spices

    7) Then add Cashew nuts. Saute with stirring constantly till they get golden brown in color.
    saute cashews

    8) Add chopped onions. Sprinkle some salt to speed up the process. Be careful, we already added salt while cooking rice.
    adding onions

    9) Saute the onions till they get translucent and soft.
    onions cooked till soft

    10) Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and green chilies. Mix well and cook for a minute. Or till the raw smell of ginger-garlic goes away.
    saute ginger, garlic, green chili

    11) Then add chopped tomatoes and capsicum. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Tomatoes will get little soft.
    adding tomato and capsicum

    12) Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. 
    adding spice powders

    13) Mix well and cook for a minute.
    mixing and cooking spice powders

    14) Then add cooked rice-veggies and chopped cilantro.
    adding rice-veggies and cilantro

    15) Mix well very gently so rice grains do not break too much. Make sure that all the masala is coated to the rice. Let the rice get heat up for 2 minutes. Then turn off the stove.
    mixed spicy masala pulao

    What to serve with Pulav Rice?

    • It can be a light meal or perfect as a lunch box with raita or yogurt.
    • Both pulav can be served with any raita recipes like boondi raita, onion tomato raita, palak raita or mint raita.
    • It can be served with plain yogurt as well.
    • Also, serve roasted papad on the side for some crunch.
    • The masala pulao is already spiced and flavorful, you can have it as such without any side.
    • Mild flavored pulao tastes good with kadhi. Many like it with dal fry or dal tadka.
    Masala Pulao Recipe

    Check out more different pulao recipes
    Green peas pulao // Paneer pulao // Kashmiri pulao // Mushroom pulao // Capsicum pulao // Tawa pulav // Mint pulao

    Step by Step Photos AboveWant to make it perfect first time? Don't forget to check out Step-by-Step photo instructions and helpful Tips & Tricks !!
    Spicy Veg Pulao Recipe
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    Veg Pulao Recipe {2 ways} Mild & Spicy Vegetable Pulav

    4.72 from 7 votes
    Tried this recipe? Leave a comment and/or give ★ ratings
    A perfect veg pulao recipe (Mild & Spicy)! Light and fluffy, never sticky, and deliciously flavorful, plus it’s super easy to make
    Author: Kanan
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Calories: 389kcal
    Servings 3
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 45 minutes
    US measuring cups are used (1 cup = 240 ml) See details

    Ingredients  

    For Restaurant Style Veg Pulao Recipe:

    • 1 cup Basmati rice
    • 2 tablespoons Oil
    • ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
    • ½ inch Cinnamon stick
    • 2 Cloves
    • 2-3 Black peppercorns
    • 2 Green cardamoms
    • 1 Bay leaf
    • ½ cup Red onion chopped
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger paste or freshly grated or crushed
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic paste or freshly grated
    • 1 Green chili chopped finely
    • ¼ cup Tomato chopped
    • ¼ cup Carrots chopped
    • ¼ cup Green beans (French beans) chopped
    • ¼ cup Green peas
    • ¼ cup Potatoes chopped
    • Salt to taste
    • ½ teaspoon Black pepper powder
    • ¼ to ½ teaspoon Garam masala
    • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
    • 2 cups Water

    OR

      For Spicy Veg Pulao Recipe:

      • 1 cup Basmati rice
      • ¼ cup Carrots chopped
      • ¼ cup Beans chopped
      • ¼ cup Green peas
      • Salt to taste
      • 5 cups Water
      • 2 tablespoons Oil
      • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
      • ¼ inch Cinnamon stick
      • 2 Cloves
      • 2 tablespoons Cashew nuts
      • ½ cup Red onion chopped
      • 1 small Green chili finely chopped
      • 1 teaspoon Ginger paste or freshly grated or crushed
      • 1 teaspoon Garlic paste or freshly grated
      • ⅓ cup Tomato chopped
      • ¼ cup Capsicum (Green bell pepper) chopped
      • 1 ½ teaspoons Red chili powder
      • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
      • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
      • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
      • 2 tablespoons Cilantro or coriander leaves finely chopped
      Prevent your screen from going dark

      Instructions 

      Preparation:

      • Wash the rice under running cold water till water runs clear. Soak them in enough water for 15-20 minutes.
      • After soaking time, discard the water and drain completely.
      • Meanwhile, chop the veggies for pulao.

      Making Restuarant Style Vegetable Pulao:

      • Heat the oil in a saucepan on medium heat. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
      • Then add whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, black cardamom, green cardamom, bay leaand saute for a minute or till you get a nice aroma of spices.
      • Then add onions and cook till onions get soft and translucent.
      • Then add ginger paste, garlic paste, and chopped green chilies, saute for 40-50 seconds.
      • Now mix in tomatoes and cook for a minute.
      • Add rest of the veggies (carrot, green beans, green peas, potato), salt, pepper, garam masala, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for a minute.
      • Then add rice and saute for a minute.
      • Add water and bring it to a rolling boil.
      • Once it starts boiling, cover it with the tight-fitting lid, LOWER the heat to lowest possible and cook for 17-18 minutes. Do not peek or open the lid during this cooking time.
      • After 17 minutes, turn off the stove. Still, do not open the lid. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes.
      • Then open the lid, fluff up the rice using a fork and mix gently.
      • Garnish with cilantro and/or mint leaves and serve.

      Making Spicy Veg Pulao Recipe:

      • Take drained rice, veggies (carrot, beans, green peaand salt in a saucepan. Add water and bring it to a boil on medium heat.
      • Then continue cooking for 10-12 minutes or till the rice and veggies are cooked.
      • Drain the excess water. Spread out the rice-veggies on a plate and let it cool down for 15-20 minutes.
      • Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
      • Then add whole spices (cinnamon sticks and cloves), saute for 30-40 seconds or till you get a nice aroma of spices.
      • Then add cashews and fry till golden brown.
      • Add onions and remaining salt, cook till onions are soft and translucent.
      • Add ginger paste, garlic paste, and chopped green chilies and saute for 40-50 seconds or till the raw smell of ginger garlic goes away.
      • Add tomatoes and capsicum. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
      • Then add spice powders (turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala). Mix and cook for a minute.
      • Add cooked rice-veggies and cilantro.
      • Toss or mix gently till everything is incorporated well, cook for 2-3 minutes and turn off the stove.

      Notes

      • This recipe card (ingredients and instructions) contains both pulao recipes. Choose one as per your liking and requirement.
      • The nutrition info mentioned below is for spicy veg pulao only.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 60.6g | Protein: 7.6g | Fat: 13.1g | Saturated Fat: 1.9g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 825mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 4.4g | Sugar: 3.8g
      *Nutrition information is a rough estimate for 1 serving
      Did you make this recipe?Snap a pic, mention @spice.up.the.curry or tag #spiceupthecurry. I would love to see.

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      1. Justswad

        August 17, 2022 at 1:42 am

        This is an amazing recipe. Thanks so much.

        Reply
      2. Liz

        August 12, 2021 at 5:00 pm

        This recipe is so fast and easy to make .
        Very tasty will be making this again.5 stars

        Reply
        • Kanan Patel

          August 13, 2021 at 10:25 am

          Very glad that you liked.

          Reply
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      Hi, I'm Kanan Patel. I share easy, delicious vegetarian recipes (mostly Indian) and Eggless baking recipes that you can sure count on!

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