Kashmiri pulao Recipe | Vegetarian

Kashmiri pulao is a fragrant, mildly sweet, and colorful rice dish from the kashmir region of India. It’s loaded with dry fruits, nuts, and aromatic spices, making it a festive favorite and a wholesome vegetarian meal.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Rice:

· 1 cup basmati rice

· 2 cups water

· 1 bay leaf

· 2–3 green cardamoms

· 1 small cinnamon stick

· 2–3 cloves

· salt to taste

For the Pulao:

· 1 small onion, thinly sliced

· 2 tbsp ghee

· 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (cashews, almonds, pistachios, raisins)

· 1/4 tsp saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk

· 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, enhances sweetness)

· 1/2 tsp garam masala

· 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Cook the Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 15–20 minutes.

2. Boil 2 cups of water with bay leaf, cardamoms, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.

3. Add rice and cook until 70–80% done. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Dry Fruits

1. Heat ghee in a pan.

2. Fry cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté Onions

1. In the same pan, add sliced onions and sauté until light golden.

4. Combine Rice and Flavors

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, layer half of the cooked rice.

2. Sprinkle half of the fried dry fruits and half of the saffron milk.

3. Add the remaining rice on top, followed by the remaining dry fruits, saffron milk, garam masala, and sugar (if using).

4. Cover tightly and cook on very low heat for 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

5. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve warm with raita or yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Kashmiri Pulao

· Use good-quality basmati rice for aroma and long, fluffy grains.

· Soak saffron in warm milk for better color and fragrance.

· Avoid overcooking rice during the initial boil; it will cook further during layering.

· dry fruits can be lightly roasted in ghee to enhance richness.

Health Benefits of Kashmiri Pulao

1. Rich in Antioxidants

Dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, and raisins are high in antioxidants, supporting immunity and overall health.

2. Heart-Healthy

Nuts contain healthy fats that improve cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.

3. Provides Energy

Basmati rice and dry fruits provide carbohydrates and natural sugars, making this dish an energy-rich meal.

4. Supports Digestion

Spices like cardamom and cloves help in digestion and prevent bloating.

5. Bone and Brain Health

Almonds and cashews are rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E, supporting bone strength and brain function.

6. Nutrient-Dense Vegetarian Meal

With rice, nuts, and ghee, Kashmiri pulao provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs in one dish.

Pro Tip: For a richer version, you can add mildly sautéed vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas along with the rice, turning it into a more wholesome one-pot meal.

Disclaimer:

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