Baked Pulao

Baked Pulao is a flavorful Indian rice dish infused with aromatic spices and a medley of vegetables, all baked to perfection for a comforting meal. This vegetarian delight is not only easy to prepare but also offers a wonderful blend of textures and tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans) - 1 cup
• Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Ginger-garlic paste - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mint leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Vegetable broth - 1.5 cups
• Salt - to taste
• Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Cashews - 2 tablespoons, roasted (for garnish)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
3. In a large oven-safe pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the cumin seeds and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown, then stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften.
6. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender.
7. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, mixing carefully with the vegetable mixture.
8. Pour in the vegetable broth, add garam masala, lemon juice, and half of the chopped cilantro and mint. Bring to a gentle boil.
9. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, then transfer it to the preheated oven.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
11. Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
12. Garnish with the remaining cilantro, mint, and roasted cashews before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from vegetables, aiding digestion.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.

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