Biryani Pulao
Biryani Pulao is a fragrant and colorful rice dish infused with aromatic spices, tender veggies, and a hint of saffron, making it a delightful and healthy option for lunch. This dish combines the richness of biryani with the simplicity of pulao, perfect for a nourishing meal.

40 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Indian
350 kcal
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
- Green chili - 1, slit
- Biryani masala - 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Bay leaf - 1
- Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
- Cloves - 2
- Cardamom - 2
- Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish
- Saffron strands - a pinch (optional)
- Salt - to taste
- Water - 2 cups
- Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
Steps
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chili, cooking for another minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Then add the mixed vegetables, biryani masala, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
- Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Gently mix the rice with the vegetables and spices, ensuring not to break the rice grains.
- Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- If using saffron, dissolve it in a tablespoon of warm water and drizzle it over the cooked rice just before serving.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in vitamins and minerals from mixed vegetables.
- Low in saturated fat and cholesterol, supporting heart health.
Tags
IndianHealthyLunch