Who can resist the comforting aroma of a delicious pot of Simple Pulao simmering on the stove? This classic dish has been a staple in households across India and the Middle East for generations, making it a beloved comfort food for many.

The origins of Pulao can be traced back to ancient Persia, where it was known as “polo” and served as a royal dish fit for kings and queens. Over time, the recipe traveled through various regions, adapting to local ingredients and cooking methods, each one adding its own unique twist to the dish.

Despite its rich history, the beauty of Simple Pulao lies in its simplicity. Made with just a handful of basic ingredients like rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a festive celebration.

The gentle simmering of the rice in flavorful broth creates a fragrant and fluffy dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favourite curry or grilled meats.

The best part? Pulao is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a spicier version or a milder, more fragrant variation.

While Simple Pulao may seem intimidating to make, fear not! This recipe is actually quite straightforward, making it suitable for beginner cooks looking to impress their friends and family with a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients

Rice: Rice is a staple food consumed by people all over the world. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, ranging from savory to sweet. In this recipe, rice serves as the base of the dish and provides a hearty texture.

Oil: Oil is used for cooking and helps to sauté the other ingredients. It adds a layer of flavor to the dish and helps to prevent the rice from sticking together.

Onion: Onion is a common vegetable used in cooking. It adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, as well as a satisfying crunch.

Ginger Paste: Ginger paste is made from fresh ginger root that has been finely grated or pureed. It adds a warm, spicy flavor to the dish and complements the other ingredients well.

Garlic Paste: Garlic paste is made from fresh garlic cloves that have been finely minced or crushed. It adds a robust, pungent flavour to the dish and enhances the overall taste.

Green Chillies: Green chillies are used to add heat and spice to the dish. They can be adjusted to taste, depending on how spicy you like your food.

Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient that helps to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients. It also helps to balance out the overall taste of the dish.

Garam Masala: Garam masala is a blend of spices commonly used in Indian cooking. It adds a rich, complex flavor to the dish and helps to elevate the overall taste profile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving suggestions, you can pair the Simple Pulao with a variety of accompaniments such as raita, salad, pickle, or a side of yogurt. You can also serve it alongside a protein of your choice such as chicken, lamb, or paneer tikka.

To make a complete meal, you can add some roasted papad and a sweet dessert like gulab jamun or kheer.

• To add more flavour and depth to the Simple Pulao, you can include some vegetables like peas, carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes. Simply sauté the vegetables along with the onions before adding the rice.
• If you prefer a non-vegetarian option, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or lamb to the pulao. Simply add the cooked meat to the rice mixture before letting it simmer.
• For a fragrant twist, you can add some whole spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves to the oil before adding the onions. This will infuse the pulao with a rich aroma and warm flavours.
• You can also garnish the Simple Pulao with some fried onions, chopped coriander leaves, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This will add freshness and brightness to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add other vegetables or protein to my simple pulao?

Yes, you can customize your pulao by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, or beans, as well as protein sources like paneer, tofu, or cooked chicken.

How do I ensure that my simple pulao turns out fluffy and not mushy?

To ensure fluffy pulao, make sure to wash the rice well to remove excess starch, use the right ratio of rice to water, and avoid stirring the rice too much while it’s cooking. Let the pulao steam with a lid on tightly to allow the rice to cook evenly.

Can I make a large batch of simple pulao ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make a large batch of pulao ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it or gently heat it in a pan with a little water to prevent it from drying out.

Is simple pulao a healthy dish?

Simple pulao can be a healthy dish depending on the ingredients you use. Opt for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients, and load up on vegetables for added vitamins and minerals. Limit the amount of oil or ghee you use for a healthier option.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Aloo Pulao
• Keema Pulao
• Chicken Pulao
• Mutton Pulao
• Chana Pulao

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Simple Pulao

by Nabeela Kauser

Simple pulao is a quick and flavourful rice recipe made with fragrant spices and vegetables or meat. Perfect for busy days, it pairs well with curries, yoghurt, or raita.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian, Pakistani

Servings 4

Calories 403 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 300 g Rice
• ▢ 50 ml Oil
• ▢ 1 Onion
• ▢ 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• ▢ 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• ▢ 2 Green Chillies
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tbsp Garam Masala
• ▢ 600 ml Water

Instructions

• Add the oil to a pan and heat it over medium heat.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Add the ginger paste and garlic paste, then sauté for about 1 minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Pour in the required amount of water and mix well. Then, add the green chillies, salt, and garam masala, stirring everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
• Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Cook on high heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until approximately 90% of the liquid has been absorbed.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for 15 minutes. Avoid opening the lid during this time to allow the rice to steam properly.
• Once done, turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork and serving.

Video

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 403kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.05gSodium: 670mgPotassium: 132mgFibre: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Cooking, Dawat, Iftar, Pulao, Ramadan, Recipe, Rice

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