Pulao is a one pot rice dish prepared with aromatic basmati rice, vegetables and mild spices.  Some of the most popular pulaos are peas pulao, tawa pulao, kashmiri pulao and vegetable pulao.  Amongst the pulaos, veg pulao is one of the most common rice dish in India.

Aloo matar pulao – a quick and simple pulao recipe prepared with potatoes, green peas and spices.  It is a one pot meal which goes best with raita or papads.  You can add your own choice of vegetables too to this pulao to make it more nutritious.  This pulao makes up for a perfect lunch box recipe for working people and even bachelors who can cook this simple and healthy meal in  a jiffy. 

HOW TO MAKE OR PREPARE ALOO MATAR PULAO RECIPE

PREPARATION

Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak the rice in enough water for half an hour.

METHOD

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee on medium flame in a small pressure cooker.   Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick and cloves.  Stir fry for a minute till you get a nice aroma.  Then add 1 chopped onion.  Saute till the onions become translucent.

Then add chopped tomatoes, green chillies and ginger-garlic paste and mix well.  Saute for half a minute till the tomatoes become slightly mushy.  Then add 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves-mint leaves paste.  Mix again.

Then add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and garam masala.  Cook on a low flame for 2-3 minutes, till the oil oozes from the sides of the pan.

Then add 1 cup of green peas and 1 cup of chopped potatoes and mix well with the masala.  Add salt accordingly.

Add the soaked 1 cup of basmati rice.  Mix gently.

Add 2 cups of water and close the pressure cooker with its lid.

Pressure cook on a medium flame for 2 whistles.

Let the pressure come down naturally.  Then open the lid and gently fluff the rice.  Serve flavourful potato peas rice hot or warm with plain yoghurt, raita or papad.

NOTES/TIPS

You can use basmati rice or sona masoori rice or any other rice of your choice for making this pulao.

Pulao made in pressure cooker  helps hasten the cooking process.  But you can also make in a open pan, which will take a little more time.

Soaking the rice helps to cook faster and helps to make soft pulao.

You can garnish with chopped coriander leaves and little lemon juice to further enhance the taste.

Add chopped nuts like almonds, cashewnuts or raisins to enhance the taste of the pulao.