🥄 Introduction
When you think of a quick and tasty Indian lunch, Veg Pulao is one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It’s colorful, full of veggies, mildly spiced, and can be made in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a beginner cook, a student, a working mom, or someone short on time – this easy vegetable pulao recipe is just perfect for your day.
Let’s dive into this simple step-by-step pulao recipe that’s light, healthy, and full of flavor.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make vegetable pulao:
Ingredients Quantity
Basmati rice 1 cup (soaked for 20 mins)
Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, capsicum) 1 cup (chopped)
Onion 1 large (sliced)
Green chili 1 (slit)
Ginger-garlic paste 1 tsp
Bay leaf 1
Cumin seeds ½ tsp
Cloves 2
Cardamom 2
Cinnamon stick 1 small piece
Salt As per taste
Water 2 cups
Ghee or oil 1 tbsp
Coriander leaves For garnish
🔥 Step 1: Prep the Rice
Soak 1 cup basmati rice in water for 20 minutes.
Drain before cooking.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Whole Spices
In a heavy-bottom pan or kadhai, heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil.
Add bay leaf, cumin, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
🧄 Step 3: Add Onion & Ginger-Garlic
Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili.
Cook till raw smell disappears.
🥕 Step 4: Add Veggies
Add all chopped vegetables.
Cook for 3–4 minutes on medium flame.
🍚 Step 5: Add Rice & Water
Add the soaked and drained rice.
Mix gently without breaking the rice.
Pour 2 cups of water and add salt.
🫓 Step 6: Cook the Pulao
Cover with a lid and cook on low flame for 10–12 minutes.
Once water is absorbed and rice is soft, turn off the heat.
Let it rest covered for 5 minutes.
🌿 Step 7: Garnish & Final Touch
Once the biryani is fully cooked, gently open the lid.
Use a fork to softly lift and fluff the rice — avoid mixing it hard.
Top it with freshly chopped coriander leaves for aroma and a fresh finish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with plain curd, raita, or pickle.
Add papad or salad for a complete lunch.
Can also be packed in a tiffin box for kids or office goers.