Vegetable Pulao is a rice based preparation accompanied with various vegetables. Spices like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon can be added to give it an aromatic flavour. Vegetable Pulao is nutritious and low on calorie hence it is a delight for the diet conscious people.

Ingredients of Vegetable Pulao:

•1 cup basmati rice
•1 cup to 1 and 1/4 cup chopped mixed vegetables
•1 onion
•3 green chilli
•1 and 1/2 cup coconut milk (or plain water)
•Salt as needed
•1 tsp ghee

To Grind:

•4 garlic
•1 inch piece ginger
•1 small piece cinnamon

To Temper:

•1 tblsp oil
•2 cardamoms
•2 cloves
•1 bay leaf

Method of Preparing Vegetable Pulao:

•Soak basmati rice for at least an hour.
•Slice onion, green chillies, small carrot, beans, frozen peas and corn.
•Peel and grind ginger, garlic, and cinnamon with little water to fine paste.
•Heat a small pressure cooker and add oil.
•Add onion and fry till transparent in medium flame. Add ground ginger garlic paste.
•Give it a stir for a minute and add the vegetables. Fry in medium flame for 2 minutes. Add the rice, drained from water. Mix well.
•Add salt, coconut milk (or water) and bring to boil.
•Close the pressure cooker and keep the flame in lowest flame possible and cook for 12 - 14 minutes. Or one can also keep for 2 whistles in medium flame also.
•Open and fluff the Pulao carefully and mix ghee.
•Serve hot.

Since this wholesome pulao is loaded with vegetables and also spiced sufficiently, it does not require a separate accompaniment. But if one wishes it can be tasted with various side dishes such as butter paneer masala, shahi paneer, raita, pickle or roasted papad.

Vegetable Pulao can be prepared at home. It is an ideal delicacy to be served to the guests at lunch as well as dinner. Vegetable Pulao is quite popular in various celebrations such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays etc. It can also be seen at different restaurants of India.