Spicy Vegetable Pulao

I love one pot meals.

Ones that are quick to make, not too much of a fuss, do not need too much of stirring or

constant attention.

And that go easy on my still weak hand.

Winter nights are perfect for such meals.
I tend to laze around these cold evenings , finish chores, or maybe part of a book.

And in no time it is dinner time.

Drag myself to the kitchen and stand thinking what to make ... especially if it is from scratch.

One good thing is thanks to winter, I have a lot of vegetables at hand.

Fresh vegetables.

And never hesitate to dunk in handfuls of them into whatever am making.

Last evening I faced the same predicament.

And felt like having something very spicy.

But not deep fried or oily.

So came up with this. Since it was spicy we paired with the soothing raita.

Need :
Rice - 1 cup
Ginger paste - 1 tsp
Garlic paste - 1 tsp
Sliced onions
Chopped vegetables
( I used cauliflower, beans, mushrooms, baby corn, shelled fresh peas )
Haldi / Turmeric powder - ½ tsp
Red chilli powder - to taste
Biryani masala powder - 1 tsp
Water - a little less than 2 cups
Kasuri methi ( dried fenugreek leaves ) - 1 tsp
Lemon - half a piece
Cooking Oil
Ghee / Clarified butter - 1 tbsp
Salt - to taste
Sugar - to taste
( Can use tomatoes ... I did not have any )


How to :

Wash the rice and keep aside ( I do not soak it for a long time).
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed kadahi / deep wok.
Add the sliced onions and fry till translucent.
Add the ginger and garlic paste and fry well.
Add the turmeric powder, chilli powder and the kasuri methi.
Now add all the vegetables except the peas.
Fry well till vegetables are coated with the masala.
Now add the rice and give a few good stirs.
Add salt, sugar and the biryani masala.
Now add water, the peas, cover and cook till all water dries up.

Remove cover and give a stir.
Add the ghee. Squeeze in the lemon, give a stir and cover.
Switch off flame and let it stand for a while.


I made the raita by beating fresh curd / yogurt with salt.

And sprinkled some roasted and crushed jeera / cumin seeds and some red chilli flakes.

Serve hot with raita and salad.

Roasted papad and pickle also go great with this pulao.

Enjoy !!

Other One pot Pulaos on Kichu Khon

Muthiya Pulao

Chanaa Dal Pulao

Narkel Bhaat

Chingri Malai Rice

Bisi Bele Bhaat