Pulao, a fragrant and flavourful dish, is a staple in many Indian households, especially vegetarian one. Traditionally made with white rice, this dish can be reimagined using brown rice, which adds a nutty flavor and numerous health benefits.
Brown rice is a whole grain that retains its bran and germ layers, making it richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than its white counterpart. This essay explores a delicious brown rice pulao recipe, highlighting its ingredients, preparation method, and nutritional advantages.
Ingredients
To prepare a delightful brown rice pulao, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati Brown Rice for enhanced flavor)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for more flavor)
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-2 cardamom pods
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Preparation Method
- Rinse the Brown Rice: Start by rinsing the brown rice grains under cold running water to remove any impurities or choose Organic Brown Rice to be sure about its purity and naturality. Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, which will help reduce cooking time and improve texture.
- Prepare the Base: In a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat the cooking oil or cooking ghee over medium heat. Add the jeera seeds(cumin), tej patta(bay leaf), laung(cloves), and elaichi dana(cardamom pods). Sauté them until they become fragrant, releasing their essential oils.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until golden brown. Then, stir in the minced garlic or crunchy garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the Vegetables: Incorporate the diced carrots, green peas, and bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry the vegetables for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Combine Rice and Water: Drain the soaked brown chawal and add it to the pot. Gently mix the brown rice with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, and season with salt while bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Cooking the Pulao: If using a pressure cooker, cover it and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed the liquid. If using a regular pot, cover it with a lid and simmer on low heat for approximately 30-35 minutes.
- Rest and Fluff: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the brown rice pulao rest for about 10 minutes before opening the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the brown rice of pulao with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, which adds a refreshing zest when squeezed over the pulao.
(Note: Pulao tastes even better when paired with papad, pickles, chutney, and other ingredients that enhance the flavor of rice recipes. Be sure to try them!_ Recommanded by Aap Ka Bazar®)
Brown rice nutritional benefits: It is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and supports healthy weight management, whether you prefer 24 Mantra Brown Rice, Daawat Brown Basmati Rice, Daawat Brown Rice Grains, or any other brand.
It also contains essential minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, making this brown rice pulao recipe an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals looking for a hearty yet nutritious meal.
(Note: For a better understanding of the nutritional value of brown rice, read Aap Ka Bazar’s blog on Brown Rice vs White Rice.)
Enjoying this pulao is not only a delight for your taste buds but also a step toward healthier eating habits. Plus, you can save time and money on your monthly grocery shopping because Aap Ka Bazar®, a monthly grocery app/website/store(s), offers up to 20% off on all branded brown rice, along with on-time home delivery across Delhi and NCR.
