Pulao Recipe, also known as pilaf, pulav, or polao, is a type of rice dish that is characterized by its fragrant and flavorful combination of spices and other ingredients. It is a staple dish in many parts of the world, particularly in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Pulao can be made with various types of rice, such as basmati, jasmine, or long-grain rice, but the most commonly used rice in pulao is basmati rice. The rice is cooked with a mix of spices, such as cumin, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, and other ingredients, such as vegetables, meat, or seafood. Pulao is usually served as a main dish and can be accompanied by a variety of side dishes, such as yogurt, raita, chutney or curry.

Here’s a recipe for a simple and delicious Pulao Recipe

Pulao Recipe Steps, Ingredients and Nutrition

Pulao Recipe Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamom pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.), chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Read also: Potato Fry Recipe

Pulao Recipe Steps

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water and soak it for 30 minutes. Drain the water.
  2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped onion and fry until it turns golden brown.
  4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and fry for another minute.
  5. Add the mixed vegetables and fry for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender.
  6. Add the drained rice, water or broth, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.
  8. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
  9. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  10. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
  11. Serve the pulao hot with raita or any gravy based curry of your choice.

This recipe is for Vegetable Pulao, you can also add meat or seafood of your choice to make it non-vegetarian. Additionally, you can also adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs by using less oil or by using healthier oil options, such as olive or avocado oil.

Pulao Recipe Nutrition

The nutritional value of Pulao Recipe can vary depending on the ingredients used.

Typically, a serving of Pulao made with basmati rice, vegetables and spices, without any added butter or oil will contain:

  • Calories: around 200-250 calories per serving
  • Protein: around 4-6 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: around 40-50 grams per serving
  • Fat: around 1-2 grams per serving
  • Fiber: around 2-3 grams per serving
  • Vitamin C: around 20-30% of the daily value
  • Vitamin A: around 10-20% of the daily value

If meat, seafood, or additional fats are added, the calorie and fat content would increase.

It is also important to note that the nutritional value can vary depending on the recipe, serving size and ingredients used.

Conclusion

To summarize, Pulao Recipe is a dish that typically consists of rice cooked with spices, vegetables, and/or meat. The exact ingredients and cooking method may vary depending on regional and cultural influences. However, a basic recipe for Pulao involves heating oil in a pan, adding spices and vegetables, and then cooking the mixture with rice and water until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Enjoy your delicious Pulao with raita, chutney, or any other condiment of your choice!