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    You are here: Home / RandomPosts / Pulao Recipe | Veg Pulao

    Pulao Recipe | Veg Pulao

    Last Updated On: Mar 26, 2025 by Sharmilee J

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    Veg Pulao is a delicious, flavorful one pot meal made by cooking rice with vegetables and aromatic spices. Veg Pulao is easy to make and loaded with the goodness of vegetables. Learn to make Veg Pulao with with step by step pictures and video.

    veg pulao served in a glass bowl

    Veg Pulao is an aromatic one pot meal that needs no side dish at all but if you like you can pair it up with raita or any veg curry of your choice. This simple veg pulao is my go to recipe for a quick fix for lunch, packing for lunchbox or even for any special occasion or weekends. This Veg Pulao recipe is popular here as it is restaurant style, so do try and enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • About Veg Pulao
    • Veg Pulao Video
    • Veg Pulao Ingredients
    • How to make Veg Pulao Step by Step
    • Quick Veg Pulao in Pressure Cooker
    • Expert Tips
    • Serving & Storage
    • FAQS
    • 📖 Recipe Card

    About Veg Pulao

    Veg Pulav is also called as Vegetable Pulao, Pilaf is an assortment of veggies in fluffy rice & garnished with nuts & herbs. Vegetable Pulav can be tried with lot of variations by adding different vegetables, whole spices and can be made spicy or mild. You can make this with pulao masala powder too.

    Veg Pulao is a perfect rice menu when you wish a comforting one pot special meal meal. Vegetable Pulao can also be made with spice powders to make it colorful & spicier. Veg pulao is a good option to make for weekend lunch or lunchbox or even special occasions. Vegetable Pulao can be relished as a wholesome meal or with spicy gravy or raita or stir fry.

    Veg Pulao is a family favorite even mittu doesn’t complain so I make it at least twice or thrice a month. Veg Pulao is one of the most common rice dishes made in India. This is a great one pot meal you can try either the pressure cooker method or this method both tasted equally good on its own.

    Veg Pulao is regular at home but I always make using pressure cooker as its easy to put it together. But I always have wondered how they make in restaurants as the veggies are crunchy and the taste is mild but flavorful. Restaurants always claim that the food they serve is homely and we on the other hand want to try restaurant style…ha ha the other side is always green that’s what is life too right?!

    Last time when I had vegetable pulao at a my favorite restaurant I made it a point to dig in the ingredients that went inside the making and also closely examined the taste. After few trials at home I got this perfect restaurant style veg pulao. Having tasted veg pulao in quite a handful of restaurants I could guess the ingredients, method and I can confidently say it came very close to the restaurant style and kids fondly call it as white veg pulao.

    veg pulao served in a glass bowl

    Veg Pulao Video

    I have shared 2 methods here : one is the quick home style version and another is the restaurant style which takes a bit more time. Both taste good so you can choose according to your needs and preference. I usually make the home style version when I am looking for a quick fix and go in for restaurant style during any occasion or weekends.

    Veg Pulao 2 ways

    • Home Style Veg Pulao – Home Style Vegetable Pulao is an easy to cook one pot meal made by sauteing veggies & spices and pressure cooked with rice. In pressure cooker method mostly the veggies and the rice become soft and the flavor is slightly different as both rice and veggies cook together. Pressure cooker method is quick to make, if you have the cut veggies you can make veg pulao in no time.
    • Restaurant Style Veg Pulao – Restaurant Style Veg Pulao takes slightly more effort and time as the veggies and rice are cooked separately, the spices are sauteed separately and then blend with cooked rice. Restaurant Style Veg Pulao is tastier compared to the home style pulao, this version has become our family favorite.

    Similar Recipes

    • Cashew pulao
    • Corn pulao
    • Millet pulao
    • Peas pulao
    • Kashmiri pulao

    Veg Pulao Ingredients

    • Rice – Long grained basmati rice is preferred for veg pulao. Rinse rice 2-3 times to remove starch from the rice. I always pre soak basmati rice and then pressure cook to get grains softer and separated.
    • Vegetables – I have used carrots, beans, and fresh peas for making Veg Pulao. You can add or discount any of the vegetable of your choice. Other veggies that you can add are any one of cauliflower, baby corn, capsicum, etc.
    • Spices & Herbs – I have used ginger garlic paste, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, cumin seeds, pepper corns for this Veg Pulav.
    • Nuts – I used cashews, but if you like you can use almonds and raisins too.
    veg pulao ingredients

    How to make Veg Pulao Step by Step

    1.Soak 1/2 cup basmati rice in water for 15-20 mins. You can even soak it for 30 mins, soaking helps in cooking rice softer and grain seperated so do not miss this step.

    soak rice in water

    2.Cooking rice perfectly is the key to great tasting pulao. So make sure to cook rice prefectly. Add rice along with 3/4 cup water.I have used 1:1.5 ratio so for 1/2 cup rice its 3/4 cup water.

    Add 3/4 cup mixed veggies in a seperate bowl, add very little water along with salt. You can cook rice in open pot method or in instant pot too. Steam cook veggies and add it too but make sure to retain slight crunchiness in the veggies.

    cook rice and veggies

    3.Close with lid so that the veggies do not get mixed with rice.

    close with lid

    4.Close with cooker lid and Pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame. Let pressure release by itself.

    close and pressure cook

    5.Open fluff the rice and set aside, if it sticks add little oil mix gently and set aside. Add veggies to a bowl adn set aside.

    fluff rice and keep veggies in  a bowl

    6.Heat 2 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon oil in the same pan – add cashews fry until golden. Remove and transfer to a bowl and set aside.

    fry cashews

    7.Now add 1/2 inch cinnamon, 2 nos cloves, 1 small bayleaf, 1 small star anise, a small piece mace and 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera. Let it splutter. You can replace it with cumin seeds if you do not have shahi jeera.

    temper whole spices

    8.Add 1 long green chilli, onion along with salt.

    add onion

    9.Saute until transparent then add ginger garlic paste.

    add ginger garlic paste

    10.Saute until its golden.

    saute until golden

    11.Add cooked veggies and saute for a minute.

    add veggies

    12.Now add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper powder and give a quick mix.

    add spice powders

    13.Now add cooked rice.

    add cooked rice

    14.Give a quick mix, gently mix do not break the rice.

    toss well

    15.Cook covered for 2 mins in low flame.

    cook covered

    16.Add 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, 1/4 teaspoon rose essence and roasted cashews.

    garnish

    17.Give a quick mix and switch off. Restaurant style Veg pulao is ready.

    mix well

    Serve with raita and any spicy veg curry of your choice.

    veg pulao served in a glass bowl

    Quick Veg Pulao in Pressure Cooker

    This Veg Pulao recipe is a quick version and can made in a jiffy in pressure cooker.

    veg pulao in pressure cooker

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup basmati rice
    • 1 medium sized onion sliced lengthwise
    • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
    • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
    • 2 tablespoon mint leaves
    • 1 cup vegetables chopped [I used 1 carrot, 5 beans and handful of peas]
    • 1 cup water
    • salt to taste

    To temper:

    • 2 nos cloves
    • 1 inch cinnamon
    • 1 small bayleaf
    • 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera
    • 2 nos green chilli
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • 1 tablespoon ghee

    Step by Step

    1.Heat 1 tablespoon ghee + 1 teaspoon oil in a pressure cooker. Add 1 inch cinnamon, 2 nos cloves, 2 nos cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera and 1 bayleaf. Let it splutter.

    temper whole spices

    2.Add 1 medium sized sliced onion along with 1 green chilli and required salt. If you prefer slightly spicy pulao add 2 green chillies.

    add onion, green chillies

    3.Saute until golden then add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.

    saute until transparent

    4.Saute for a minute.

    add ginger garlic paste and saute

    5.Then add 2 tablespoon mint leaves.

    add minte leaves

    6.Add rinsed 1 cup veggies along with 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder.

    add veggies

    7.Saute for a minute.

    saute for few mins

    8.Then add soaked, drained rice.

    add rice

    9.Give a quick mix. Mix gently without breaking the rice.

    give a quick mix

    10.Add 1 cup water. I use 1:2 ratio so for 1/2 cup basmati rice its 1 cup of water. After adding water taste check for salt, the water should be salty then salt will be perfect for rice.

    add water

    11.Close with lid. Pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame.

    cook covered

    12.Let pressure release by itself. Open.

    open

    13.Fluff and mix gently. Home style quick veg pulao ready.

    fluff the rice and serve

    Serve hot!

    Expert Tips

    • Cooking the basmati rice to perfection is the key to a great pulao both taste and texture. So be careful while cooking. Soaking and cooking gives softer grains and it doesn’t break easily.
    • I always have readers asking about the brand of basmati rice I use whenever I post recipes with basmati rice. I use India Gate Super brand mostly.
    • If you cook the rice in pot method, use water quantity aptly, if you strain the excess water the flavor of basmati rice will also go with water itself so measure and add water accordingly.
    • For quick home style version I use 1:2 ratio and pressure cook for 2 whistles in low medium flame. For restaurant style I use 1:1.5 ratio water to make the rice slightly crunchy as in restaurants but if you prefer you can use 1:2 ratio itself for both the methods.
    • You can even use other vegetables like cauliflower,baby corn ,sweet corn etc.
    • I just added cashews but if you like sweet taste ghee fry raisins and add it too.
    • Don’t add more mint leaves as the flavor will be strong.

    Serving & Storage

    Serve Vegetable Pulao with spicy gravy or raita or stir fry! On busy days, it can be relished with tomato ketchup / sauce as well.

    Enjoy Veg Pulav on the same day of making, else refrigerate and heat it in stove or microwave before use next day.

    Variations

    Try the below variations of Veg Pulao to make it taste different each time.

    • You can add ghee roasted raisins.
    • You can add 1/4 cup coconut milk while cooking rice to give a unique taste make sure to adjust water accordingly.
    • You can add paneer after shallow frying it for a Paneer Veg Pulao.
    • You can add shallow fried mushrooms, sweet corn, bell pepper or any other veggie of your choice.
    • Green masala paste – You can make mint + coriander paste and add it too for a green color pulao.
    • Red masala paste – If you prefer spicy version add red chilli paste along with sauteed tomatoes for a orange color pulao.
    • You can add 1/2 teaspoon biryani masala powder.
    • Add 1/4 cup curd to give a slightly sour taste. Make sure to adjust water accordingly.
    • Add fried onions as garnish to restaurant style veg pulao.
    • If you like saffron flavor add 5 strands while cooking rice.

    FAQS

    1.When can we make Mix Veg Pulav?

    • Week day busy routines for lunch
    • Get together or parties
    • Add on meal during buffet or grand lunch
    • Lunch Box

    2.Which method do you recommend – Home style or Restaurant Style?

    I recommend Restaurant style if you prefer taste – as it is the best tasting version among the two. But if you are running out of time and looking for a quick fix then go in for homestyle and am sure you will not regret.

    3.Can we use boiled rice or brown rice or raw rice for this recipe?

    Basmati rice gets us best results. You can try with brown basmati rice I would not recommend other rice varieties.

    veg pulao cooked in pressure cooker

    If you have any more questions about this Veg Pulao Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this Veg Pulao Recipe ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    📖 Recipe Card

    VegPulao1
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Pulao Recipe | Veg Pulao | Mix Vegetable Pulav

    Veg Pulao is a delicious, flavorful one pot meal made by cooking rice with vegetables and aromatic spices. Veg Pulao is easy to make and loaded with the goodness of vegetables. Learn to make Veg Pulao with with step by step pictures and video.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time25 minutes mins
    Total Time40 minutes mins
    Servings2
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    Restaurant Style

    • 1/2 cup basmati rice
    • 3/4 cup water
    • 1 medium sized onion roughly chopped
    • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
    • 3/4 – 1 cup mixed vegetables
    • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon pepper powder
    • around 15 nos cashews
    • 1/4 teaspoon rose essence / kewra water
    • 1 tablespoon coriander leaves
    • salt to taste

    To temper

    • 2 tablespoon ghee
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • 1/2 inch cinnamon
    • 2 nos cloves
    • 1 cardamom
    • 1 small bay leaf
    • 1 small small star anise
    • a small piece mace
    • 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera
    • 1 long green chilli

    Pressure Cooker Method

    • 1/2 cup basmati rice
    • 1 medium sized onion chopped lengthwise
    • 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
    • 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder
    • 2 tablespoon mint leaves
    • 1 cup mixed vegetables I used 1 carrot, 5 beans and handful of peas
    • 1 cup water
    • salt to taste

    To temper

    • 1 tablespoon ghee
    • 1 teaspoon oil
    • 2 cloves
    • one 1 inch cinnamon
    • 1 small bayleaf
    • 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera
    • 1 green chili

    Instructions

    Restaurant style

    • You can cook rice in open pot method or in instant pot too. Steam cook veggies and add it too but make sure to retain slight crunchiness in the veggies.
    • Close with lid so that the veggies do not get mixed with rice.
    • Close with cooker lid and Pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame. Let pressure release by itself.
    • Open fluff the rice and set aside, if it sticks add little oil mix gently and set aside. Add veggies to a bowl and set aside.
    • Now add 1/2 inch cinnamon, 2 nos cloves, 1 small bay leaf, a small star anise, a small piece mace and 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera. You can replace it with cumin seeds if you do not have shahi jeera.
    • Add 1 long green chilli, onion along with salt.
    • Saute until transparent then add ginger garlic paste.
    • Saute until its golden.
    • Add cooked veggies and saute for a minute.
    • Now add 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder, 1/4 teaspoon pepper powder and give a quick mix.
    • Now add cooked rice.
    • Give a quick mix, gently mix do not break the rice.
    • Cook covered for 2 mins in low flame.
    • Add 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, 1/4 teaspoon rose essence and roasted cashews.
    • Give a quick mix and switch off. Restaurant style Veg pulao is ready.
    • Serve Veg Pulao with raita and any spicy veg curry of your choice.

    Pressure Cooker Version

    • Heat 1 tablespoon ghee + 1 teaspoon oil in a pressure cooker. Add 1 inch cinnamon, 2 nos cloves, 2 nos cardamom, 1/2 teaspoon shahi jeera and 1 bayleaf. Let it splutter.
    • Add 1 medium sized sliced onion along with 1 green chilli and required salt. If you prefer slightly spicy pulao add 2 green chillies.
    • Saute until golden then add 1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste.
    • Saute for a minute.
    • Then add 2 tablespoon mint leaves.
    • Add rinsed 1 cup veggies along with 1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder.
    • Saute for a minute.
    • Then add soaked, drained rice.
    • Give a quick mix. Mix gently without breaking the rice.
    • Add 1 cup water. I use 1:2 ratio so for 1/2 cup basmati rice its 1 cup of water. After adding water taste check for salt, the water should be salty then salt will be perfect for rice.
    • Close with lid. Pressure cook for 2 whistles in medium flame.
    • Let pressure release by itself. Open.
    • Fluff and mix gently. Home style quick veg pulao ready.
    • Serve hot!

    Video

    Notes

    • Cooking the basmati rice to perfection is the key to a great pulao both taste and texture. So be careful while cooking. Soaking and cooking gives softer grains and it doesn’t break easily.
    • If you cook the rice in pot method, use water quantity aptly, if you strain the excess water the flavour of basmati rice will also go with water itself so measure and add water accordingly.
    • For quick home style version I use 1:2 ratio and pressure cook for 2 whistles in low medium flame. For restaurant style I use 1:1.5 ratio water to make the rice slightly crunchy as in restaurants but if you prefer you can use 1:2 ratio itself for both the methods.
    • You can even use other vegetables like cauliflower,baby corn ,sweet corn etc. I just added cashews but if you like sweet taste ghee fry raisins and add it too.
    • You can even use 1/4 cup coconut milk for a different flavour. Don’t add more mint leaves as the flavour will be strong.
    Nutrition Facts
    Pulao Recipe | Veg Pulao | Mix Vegetable Pulav
    Amount Per Serving (125 g)
    Calories 424 Calories from Fat 207
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 23g35%
    Saturated Fat 11g69%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 9g
    Cholesterol 38mg13%
    Sodium 1956mg85%
    Potassium 254mg7%
    Carbohydrates 49g16%
    Fiber 3g13%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 6g12%
    Vitamin A 148IU3%
    Vitamin C 5mg6%
    Calcium 56mg6%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
    Like our video?Subscribe to our youtube channel to get latest updates!

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    Filed Under: Pulao, RandomPosts, Travel Food Series

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Aparnaa

      July 31, 2014 at 1:10 pm

      pictures ad method tempt me to try this… sure will try 🙂

      Reply
    2. Lakshmi Rangaram

      July 31, 2014 at 2:19 pm

      yummy

      Reply
    3. traditionallymodernfood

      July 31, 2014 at 7:03 pm

      Mouthwatering pics.. Yummy pulao

      Reply
    4. Ramya Venkateswaran

      August 01, 2014 at 4:33 am

      delicious sharmi

      Reply
    5. Kurinji

      August 01, 2014 at 6:52 am

      Delicious pulao…cute bowl….

      Reply
    6. Raks anand

      August 01, 2014 at 8:26 am

      I loved this pictures a lot, perfectly done pulao too 🙂

      Reply
    7. Rathi Sangeetha N

      August 01, 2014 at 8:46 am

      yummy!!!

      Reply
    8. Viji

      August 02, 2014 at 8:59 am

      Sharmi..

      Perfectly done pulao..rice grains are long and seperate..
      It's always a dream for me and I struggle in cooking basmati rice perfectly..

      Can u tell me the rice and water ratio??u have told 1 and 1/4 cup water for 1/2 cup rice..so for 1 cup rice,2 and 1/2 cup water? Pls clarify

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        August 02, 2014 at 9:04 am

        Oh no its a typo…I use 1:1.5 cups so for 1/2 cup its 3/4 cup…Thank you so much for asking

        Reply
    9. Kavita-My dreams and actions

      August 09, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Turned out yummy. Thanks.
      As in India gate basmati rice instructions i used 1:2 ratio. Worked well.

      Reply
    10. Kavitha Subramanian

      September 17, 2014 at 7:40 am

      Wow. This is so serendipitous and I tried it good at the very first attempt. Actually this is the best ever pulao I ever tasted. Thanx to you Sharmi.

      Reply
    11. Unknown

      March 02, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      I tried this one with slight modifications. It just came fabulous. Instead of veggies I added only spring onions. And finally topped with gobi65

      Reply
    12. Unknown

      March 02, 2015 at 8:21 pm

      I wanted to send u the pic but not sure how to send u

      Reply
    13. Riteshhh Patel

      September 19, 2015 at 3:20 am

      Good awesome test…

      Reply
    14. Unknown

      December 28, 2015 at 9:34 am

      Its awesome…All praised me after they had it. All praises for u…. Thank U soo much…

      Reply
    15. uma unni

      December 28, 2015 at 9:38 am

      It was awesome.. All praises for you…..

      Reply
    16. Unknown

      May 26, 2016 at 1:34 am

      I tried once and i came awesome and aromatic pulav.. thanks for the wonderful recipe

      Reply
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