How To Make Best Pulao?

Pulao is a popular rice dish that is widely consumed in many countries around the world. It is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion and one of the best known pulao is matar pulao which has peas as its key ingredient. However, making the best pulao can be challenging, especially if you are new to cooking. In this blog post, we will provide you with some tips on how to make the best pulao.

Read More: Kabuli Pulao Recipe

Ingredients:

Before we start with the recipe, let us first take a look at the ingredients required to make the best pulao.

1. Basmati rice - 2 cups
2. Oil - 2 tbsp
3. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
4. Bay leaves - 2
5. Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
6. Cardamom pods - 3
7. Cloves - 3
8. Onion - 1 large (sliced)
9. Garlic - 4 cloves (minced)
10. Ginger - 1 inch piece (minced)
11. Vegetables (carrots, peas, beans) - 1 cup
12. Water - 4 cups
13. Salt - 1 tsp
14. Ghee - 1 tbsp (optional)
15. Fried onions - 1/2 cup (optional)
16. Cashew nuts - 1/4 cup (optional)

Instructions To Follow:

Now that we have all the ingredients, let us move on to the recipe.

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Fry for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
3. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Fry for 5 minutes or until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Add the vegetables and fry for another 5 minutes.
5. Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add water and salt to the pot. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork and add ghee (if using), fried onions, and cashew nuts (if using).
10. Serve hot with raita or curry.

Tips for making the best pulao:

1. Use good quality basmati rice. It is important to rinse and soak the rice before cooking it to remove excess starch and to ensure that it cooks evenly.
2. Use fresh whole spices. Toasting them in oil before adding the onions and vegetables will release their flavors and aromas.
3. Fry the onions until they turn golden brown. This will add sweetness and depth of flavor to the pulao.
4. Use a good ratio of water to rice. For every cup of rice, use two cups of water.
5. Do not stir the rice while it is cooking. This will break the grains and make the pulao mushy.
6. Let the pulao sit for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will help the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining moisture.
7. Add ghee, fried onions, and cashew nuts to the pulao for added flavor and texture.

In conclusion, pulao is a simple yet delicious rice dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. By following these tips, you can make the best pulao that is flavorful and perfectly cooked. It is a great dish to serve for a family dinner or a potluck with friends. Moreover, it is versatile enough to be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as raita, salad, or curry.