Pulao recipe

Preparation Add basmati rice to a bowl and rinse it a few times until water runs clear

Soak it for at least 20 minutes

After 20 mins, drain off the water completely and set aside

While the rice soaks, rinse carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, onions, chilies & mint leaves

Peel the carrots and potatoes

Nip off both the ends of beans and chop all of them to bite sized pieces

Slice onions and slit green chill

Fine chop the mint leaves

(If you want you can also make a fine paste of ginger garlic, green chilies and mint

) Set all of these aside

How to make veg pulao recipe Heat 2 tablespoons ghee or oil in a hot pot or pressure cooker

Add all the whole spices & saute for 30 to 60 seconds or until they begin to sizzle

Fry onions & chilies until onions turn golden

Next saute ginger garlic paste until the raw smell goes off

Add all the veggies and mint

Saute for 2 to 3 minutes

Pour water and add salt too

Taste the water, it has to be slightly salty

Bring the water to a rolling boil

Next add drained rice and stir

If cooking in pot, cover and cook on a low heat until all the water is absorbed and the rice grains are cooked

When the rice is done, turn off the stove

Cover and let the veg pulao rest in the pot for 10 to 15 mins

This helps the rice grains to become fluffy

If making in pressure cooker, cover the cooker with the lid

Then cook on a medium high flame for 1 whistle

Switch off the stove

When the pressure releases, remove the lid and fluff up the veg pulao rice with a fork

Serve veg pulao hot or warm with a simple raita or gravy

Instant pot pulao Press SAUTE button on the instant pot

Pour ghee or oil to the inner pot

Saute the spices in the hot oil for 30 seconds

Fry onions & green chilies until transparent for 2 mins

Then fry ginger garlic paste just for 30 seconds

Next add in all the chopped veggies and mint

Saute for 2 mins

Add the drained rice (1 ½ cups) and salt

Press CANCEL button

Pour 1¾ cups water and mix

Taste the salt level and add more if needed

Scrape the bottom gently with the spatula to release any bits of food stuck

This prevents a burn notice

Secure the instant pot with the lid

Press PRESSURE COOK button (high pressure) & set the timer for 5 mins

Position the steam release handle to sealing

Instant pot beeps when it is done

Let the pressure release naturally for 5 mins

Release the rest manually by moving the steam release handle from sealing to venting with a spoon

Fluff up the vegetable pulao with a fork & serve with yogurt raita