Spiced Vegetable Pilaf
Spiced Vegetable Pilaf (Easy One-Pot Rice Recipe) Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 35 mins Servings: 4 | Tags: #vegetablerice #onepotmeal #pilafrecipe #indianrice #mealprep Why You’ll Love This Spiced Vegetable Pilaf One-pot recipe – minimal cleanup, great for busy days Naturally vegetarian and easy to make vegan Full of warm spices and vibrant veggies Great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or festive meals Meta Description: “This fragrant vegetable pilaf is an easy one-pot rice dish made with Indian spices and seasonal vegetables. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!” Ingredients 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 15 mins 2 tablespoons oil or ghee 1 bay leaf 1 small cinnamon stick 3–4 whole cloves 3–4 green cardamom pods 1 small onion, thinly sliced 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 green chili, slit (optional) 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, green beans, peas, bell pepper) ½ teaspoon turmeric powder ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon garam masala Salt to taste 2 cups water or vegetable broth Fresh cilantro for garnish Optional: toasted cashews or raisins Instructions 1. Sauté Spices & Aromatics Heat oil or ghee in a large pan. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. 2. Cook the Onion, Garlic & Ginger Add sliced onion, ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook for 3–4 minutes until golden. 3. Add Veggies & Spices Stir in the chopped vegetables, turmeric, and garam masala. Cook for 2–3 minutes. 4. Add Rice & Liquid Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently. Pour in 2 cups of water or broth and add salt. 5. Simmer & Fluff Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes. Let it rest for 5 mins, then fluff with a fork. Serving Suggestions Serve with raita, cucumber salad, or yogurt dip Pairs well with grilled paneer, dal, or chicken curry (if not vegetarian) Add nuts or raisins for a festive touch Tips for Perfect Pilaf Use long-grain basmati rice for fluffier texture Soaking the rice shortens cook time and prevents stickiness Avoid over-stirring once the rice is added to keep grains intact Add a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness Make It Your Way Vegan? Use oil instead of ghee Low-carb? Swap rice with cauliflower rice (cook uncovered for shorter time) Spicy? Add red chili powder or more green chili Storage & Reheating Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or steam on the stovetop FAQ Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, just thaw slightly and sauté directly. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Can I cook this in a rice cooker or Instant Pot? Absolutely. Use the sauté function for aromatics, then pressure cook for 5 minutes with natural release.
2025-05-16 18:06:48 - monzoorskitchen.blospot.com