Best Easy Matar Pulao Recipe

Aromatic and elegant, Matar Pulao is a gently spiced Indian rice preparation perfect alongside rich curries. This simple vegetarian dish is a family favorite that adds fragrance to any meal.

Cook 35 min Difficulty EASY 260 kcal
#vegetarian #Indian rice #easy Indian side #pulao recipe
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Basmati rice 1 cup
  • Fresh green peas 1 cup
  • Water 2 cups
  • Onion, thinly sliced 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Ghee (or vegetable oil) 2 tbsp
  • Cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • Whole cloves 4 pieces
  • Green cardamom pods 3 pieces
  • Cinnamon stick 1 2-inch
  • Bay leaf 1 piece
  • Salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 44 g 68%
Protein 7 g 11%
Fat 6 g 21%
Serving size 190g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain.

  2. 2

    Heat ghee in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until shimmering, then add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf; sauté until fragrant, about 45 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add thinly sliced onions and cook on medium-high heat, stirring often, until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in drained rice and sauté gently for 2 minutes to coat grains with oil and spices, ensuring the rice doesn’t break.

  5. 5

    Add fresh green peas, water, and salt; bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until all water is absorbed and rice is tender.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing gently with a fork and serving hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Basmati rice is the foundation of Matar Pulao, lending its distinctive aroma and long, fluffy grains. The fresh green peas provide sweetness and color, making these two the defining ingredients of the dish.
Q. Which spice makes the biggest flavor impact?
Cumin seeds and whole spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon collectively build the delicate aromatic base. Among these, cumin seeds add a uniquely warm, earthy note crucial for authentic Matar Pulao.
Q. How should I control the heat while cooking the rice?
After adding water and peas, bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce to low heat and cover. Simmering on low allows the rice to absorb flavor and cook evenly without sticking or burning.
Q. How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy?
Make sure to rinse and soak the rice as directed, then sauté it gently before adding water. Keeping heat low during the final steaming step and resting the rice after cooking helps maintain perfect, separate grains.
Q. How many calories and how much protein per serving does this Matar Pulao provide?
Each 190 g serving offers roughly 260 kcal, 7 grams of protein, 44 grams of carbohydrates (68% of calories), and 6 grams of fat (21% of calories), balancing flavor with moderate nutrition.
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