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Vegetarian

Vegetable pulao with raita

Vegetable pulao with raita is an Indian rice dish for 4 people, ready in 45 minutes, rated easy, at €1.80 per serving. Basmati rice cooks with whole spices and seasonal vegetables, served alongside a cool yogurt and cucumber raita. The key to success is soaking the rice first and letting it cook covered without lifting the lid.

Tonight it's gentle India on your plate with a vegetable pulao, rice scented with whole spices, and a cool raita on the side.

Vegetable pulao with raita
Total time
45 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€1.80
Calories per person
610 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
The kids
They generally like it

Pulao is everyday rice dressed up just enough for a weeknight to feel special. Whole spices, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, infuse the oil before the rice even goes in, so every grain picks up that warm scent without any heat. Carrots, peas, and green beans add color and bite, making this a complete dish on its own.

This is the kind of dinner that breaks up the routine without asking for any particular skill. Kids tend to like rice that's fragrant but not spicy, and the cool raita softens everything nicely. It's a good pick for a weeknight when you want something different, or for a vegetarian meal the whole family will eat.

The ingredients

4 people

Pantry

  • Basmati riceoften in the pantry 320 g
  • Vegetable oiloften in the pantry 3 tbsp
  • Cinnamon stickoften in the pantry 1
  • Green cardamomoften in the pantry 4
  • Clovesoften in the pantry 4
  • Cumin seedsoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Bay leavesoften in the pantry 2
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Ground cuminoften in the pantry 1 tsp

Fruits and vegetables

  • Carrots 2
  • Green beans 150 g
  • Onion 2
  • Fresh ginger 1 tsp
  • Cucumber 0.5
  • Fresh mint 6 sprigs

Frozen foods

  • Green peas 150 g

Dairy

  • Plain yogurt 2 tub

Allergens Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Rinse the basmati rice several times until the water runs clear, then let it soak for 15 minutes. 15 min

    Soaking lets the grains stretch out, so they don't break during cooking.

  2. Cut the carrots into small cubes, cut the green beans into short pieces, and slice the onions thin.

    Cut the vegetables to the same size as the peas for even cooking.

  3. Heat the oil, let the whole spices sizzle, add the onions and ginger, and cook until golden. 8 min

    Well browned onions give an amber color and a sweet taste.

  4. Add the vegetables and the drained rice, stir for 1 minute, pour in 500 ml of water, add salt, and let it cook covered over very low heat. 15 min

    Don't lift the lid, the steam cooks the rice.

  5. Meanwhile, mix the yogurt with the grated and squeezed cucumber, chopped mint, cumin, and a pinch of salt, and serve alongside the pulao.

    Press the cucumber in a kitchen towel, the raita stays thick.

Our tips to get it right

  • Pull out the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves before serving, or let everyone know they're in there whole.
  • Use a good quality basmati rice, its grains stay separate even after a longer covered cook.
  • If the bottom sticks slightly at the end, that's a good sign, let it rest off the heat for 5 minutes before fluffing gently.

The variations

  • Swap the green beans and peas for cauliflower or bell peppers depending on the season.
  • Add chickpeas or pan fried paneer for more protein in this already vegetarian dish.
  • For a quick version, use leftover cooked rice and just sauté the vegetables and spices before stirring the rice in for a few minutes.

What to serve it with

  • Sweet mango chutney
  • Crispy papadums
  • Spiced black tea

Storage

Pulao keeps for 2 to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container. It freezes well, reheat it in a pan with a splash of water to bring back the softness. Make the raita separately and keep it for 1 day in the fridge, it loses its freshness if frozen so it's better to make it fresh again.

Questions about this dish

Can I make the pulao ahead of time?

Yes, cook it a few hours ahead and reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water. Make the raita at the last minute so it stays cool and fresh.

What rice can I use if I don't have basmati?

Regular long grain rice works, though the cooking time may vary slightly. Avoid round rice, it turns too sticky for this kind of dish.

How do I adapt this for young kids?

Remove the whole spices before serving and cut back on the ground cumin in the raita. The rice stays fragrant but mild.

Does pulao freeze well?

Yes, the cooked rice freezes easily in an airtight container. Reheat it in a pan with a little water so it turns soft again.

How long does it take to make a vegetable pulao with raita?

Count 45 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a vegetable pulao with raita?

About 610 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a vegetable pulao with raita cost?

About €1.80 per serving, or €7.20 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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