Roti with rice polaw

Rice Pulao (or Pilaf) is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that is easy to make and can be served as a main or side dish. It’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious rice pulao:

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• Basmati rice: 1 cup (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
• Vegetables: 1/2 cup diced (carrot, beans, peas, cauliflower, etc.)
• Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
• Green chilies: 2, slit (optional)
• Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp
• Whole spices:
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Cloves: 3
  • Cardamom: 2
  • Cinnamon: 1 small stick
  • Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
• Oil or ghee: 2 tbsp
• Water: 1.75 cups
• Salt: To taste
• Coriander leaves: For garnish
• Cashews or raisins: Optional, for garnish

Steps to Make Rice Pulao:

1. Prep the Ingredients:

• Wash and soak basmati rice in water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Chop the vegetables into small, uniform pieces.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.
• Add the whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin seeds). Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
• Stir in green chilies and ginger-garlic paste, and cook for 1 minute.

3. Add Vegetables:

• Add the diced vegetables and sauté for 2–3 minutes.

4. Cook the Rice:

• Add the soaked, drained rice to the pan and gently stir for 1–2 minutes to coat the grains in the spices.
• Pour in 1.75 cups of water and add salt to taste.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes (or pressure cook for 1 whistle).

5. Rest and Fluff:

• Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest (covered) for 5–10 minutes.
• Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. For an extra touch, fry some cashews and raisins in ghee and sprinkle them on top.
• Serve hot with raita, curry, or pickles.

Tips for Perfect Pulao:

• Use good-quality basmati rice for a fragrant and fluffy pulao.
• Keep the water-to-rice ratio precise to avoid mushy rice.
• You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or paneer for a protein-packed version.

Let me know if you’d like to try any variations or sides for your pulao! 😊