How to make Pulao at Home?

In this article we are going to discuss about-How to make Pulao at Home?. Pulao (also spelled Pilaf or Pulav) is a fragrant, mildly spiced rice dish that is easy to cook and loved across India. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even special occasions when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
2 tablespoons oil or ghee
1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
½ cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans, potato – optional but recommended)
1–2 green chilies (slit, optional)
1 bay leaf
1 small cinnamon stick
2–3 cloves
1–2 green cardamom pods
Salt to taste
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
A few cashews and raisins (optional, for richness)
Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Wash and Soak the Rice

Wash the basmati rice 2–3 times until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain. This helps the rice cook evenly and stay fluffy.

2. Heat Oil or Ghee

Place a pan or pressure cooker on medium heat. Add oil or ghee. Once hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle.

3. Add Whole Spices

Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.

4. Sauté Onions

Add sliced onions and cook until they turn light golden brown. This step adds sweetness and depth to the pulaav.

5. Add Ginger-Garlic and Vegetables

Mix in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 2–3 minutes.

6. Add Rice and Water

Add the soaked rice and gently mix so the grains don’t break.
Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt to taste.

7. Cook the Pulaav

In a pressure cooker: Close the lid and cook for 1 whistle on low heat.
In a pan: Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes until the rice is done and water is absorbed.

8. Rest and Fluff

Turn off the heat and let the pulaav rest for 5 minutes. Gently fluff with a fork.

Garnishing and Serving

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a few fried cashews if you like.
Serve hot with raita, curd, or plain salad.

Tips for Perfect Pulaav

Always use basmati rice for the best aroma.
Don’t over-stir the rice while cooking.
Ghee gives richer flavor, but oil works fine too.
You can customize vegetables or even add paneer for variation.

Conclusion

Pulaav is a simple yet elegant dish that combines aroma, taste, and nutrition. With minimal spices and easy steps, anyone can make it at home. Once you master the basics, you can experiment with flavors and make your own version of this classic rice dish. So, I hope you have understood How to make Pulao at Home? Please comment below what are the different ways one can learn How to make Pulao at Home?

Happy cooking! 🍚✨