Kadai Pulao
Kadai Pulao is a vibrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with colorful vegetables and aromatic spices, perfect for a comforting dinner. This dairy-free version ensures a light yet satisfying meal that captures the essence of Indian cuisine.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Indian
350 kcal
Ingredients
- Basmati rice - 1 cup
- Water - 2 cups
- Oil (cooking or coconut) - 2 tablespoons
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion (sliced) - 1 medium
- Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
- Ginger (grated) - 1 teaspoon
- Bell pepper (diced) - 1 small
- Carrot (diced) - 1 medium
- Green peas - 1/2 cup
- Tomato (chopped) - 1 medium
- Green chili (slit) - 1
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Cilantro (chopped) - for garnish
Steps
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 15 minutes, then drain.
- Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds; let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn translucent. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, carrot, and green peas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add the chopped tomato and green chili; cook until the tomato softens.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt, mixing well to combine.
- Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pan, gently mixing it with the vegetables and spices.
- Pour in 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- Rich in fiber from vegetables, promoting digestive health.
- Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh produce.
Tags
IndianDairy-FreeDinner