There’s something special about a bowl of veg pulao—fluffy pulao rice, colourful vegetables, and fragrant spices all coming together in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious veg pulao recipe that’s sure to impress. For a modern twist, we’ll show you how to include Boombay’s Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce and Boombay Timur Chilli Crisp, both of which can add a burst of flavour to your dish.
Serving Size: 4 people
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients (with Measurements & Details)
- 1½ cups (300g) basmati rice (soaked for 20 minutes)
- 2½ cups (600ml) water (for pressure cooker; use 3 cups for regular pot)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1½ teaspoon ginger paste
- Handful of coriander leaves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 4 green cardamoms
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Optional: 1 boiled potato, diced; ½ cup cauliflower florets
- 2 tablespoons Boombay Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Boombay Timur Chilli Crisp
- Garnish: Fresh coriander, lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Rinse and Soak the Rice:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
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Prep the Vegetables:
While the rice soaks, chop all the vegetables. Slice the onion, dice the carrot, chop the green beans, and measure out the peas. If using potato or cauliflower, prepare those as well.
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Sauté the Spices and Onions:
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or pressure cooker. Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamoms, and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced onion and slit green chili. Sauté until the onions are golden.
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Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Vegetables:
Stir in the ginger paste and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped vegetables. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the mint smells fresh and the vegetables start to soften.
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Add Boombay Sauces:
Add 2 tablespoons Boombay Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce and 1 tablespoon Boombay Timur Chilli Crisp. Stir well to coat the vegetables and infuse the pulao with bold, spicy flavours.
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Add Rice and Water:
Add the drained rice and gently mix everything together. Pour in the water and add salt to taste.
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Cook the Pulao:
If using a pressure cooker, cover and cook for one whistle on medium flame. For a regular pot, cover and cook on low heat until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Let it rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
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Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh coriander and lemon wedges. Serve hot with raita, salad, or your favourite side.
Choosing the Right Vegetables and Rice
For a classic veg pulao recipe, use a mix of carrots, beans, peas, and onions. You can also add potatoes, cauliflower, or bell peppers for extra texture and colour. Basmati rice is the best choice for pulao rice because it cooks up light and fluffy, with each grain staying separate. Aged basmati rice is ideal for the best results.
Flavour Enhancements and Variations
- Nuts and Dried Fruits: Add fried cashews, almonds, or raisins for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in coriander at the end for a fresh finish.
- Boombay Sauces: Use Boombay Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce for a spicy, garlicky kick and Boombay Timur Chilli Crisp for a fragrant, peppery crunch. Both sauces work as a salad dressing too—just drizzle over your side salad for extra flavour.
- Salad Dressing: Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and a dash of Boombay Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce for a quick and zesty salad dressing.
Best Accompaniments for Veg Pulao
- Raita: A cool yogurt side with cucumber, onion, and a pinch of salt.
- Salad: Fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion with a lemon or Boombay Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce dressing.
- Papad or Pickle: Crispy papad or tangy mango pickle for a crunchy, tangy bite.
- Vegetable Gravy: A mild mixed vegetable gravy or paneer curry pairs well with pulao.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Leftover veg pulao keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked pulao for up to a month. Thaw and reheat when needed.
- Boombay Sauces: Keep opened bottles refrigerated and shake well before use.
Conclusion
With this veg pulao recipe, you get a comforting, flavourful meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The addition of Boombay Garlic + Chilli Stir Fry Sauce and Boombay Timur Chilli Crisp takes the dish to a whole new level, adding spice, aroma, and a touch of modern flair. Serve it with raita, salad, or your favourite side, and enjoy the burst of flavours in every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What vegetables to add in veg pulao?
Carrots, beans, peas, onions, potatoes, and cauliflower are all great choices. Mix and match based on what you have or prefer.
Q. What are the ingredients used in pulao?
Basmati rice, vegetables, whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin), ginger-garlic paste, herbs (coriander), oil or ghee, salt, and Boombay sauces for extra flavour.
Q. What gravy goes well with veg pulao vegetarian?
A mild mixed vegetable gravy, paneer curry, or simple raita are all good options.
Q. When to add paneer in pulao?
Add paneer cubes at the end, after the rice is cooked, to keep them soft and fresh. You can also lightly fry the paneer before adding.
Q. Which rice is better for Pulao?
Basmati rice is the best choice for pulao because of its long grains and fragrant aroma. Aged basmati rice is especially good for fluffy, separate grains.
Q. Is pulao healthy or unhealthy?
Veg pulao is healthy when made with a good mix of vegetables and moderate oil. It provides fiber from the veggies and rice, and you can make it lighter by using less oil or ghee. As always, if you eat too much, you will gain weight which is unhealthy. Also the basmati rice is a refined grain which isnt exactly healthy.
By following this guide, you’ll have a delicious veg pulao recipe that’s packed with flavour, thanks to fresh ingredients and a touch of Boombay magic. Enjoy!
