Best Easy Dum Pulao Recipe

Aromatic and elegant, Dum 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 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 310 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • basmati rice 2 cups
  • mixed vegetables (carrot, green beans, peas, potato) 2 cups
  • yellow onion 1 medium
  • whole milk plain yogurt 0.5 cup
  • cashews 0.25 cup
  • raisins 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ghee 3 tbsp
  • ginger garlic paste 1 tbsp
  • whole cumin seeds 1 tsp
  • whole cloves 4 pieces
  • green cardamom pods 3 pieces
  • cinnamon stick 1 2-inch
  • bay leaf 1 large
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 57 g 74%
Protein 6 g 8%
Fat 6 g 18%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the basmati rice until water runs clear; soak for 30 minutes and drain thoroughly.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tablespoons ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, then sauté cashews and raisins until golden; remove and set aside.

  3. 3

    Add remaining ghee, then sauté cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Add sliced onion, cook stirring over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 8–10 minutes; add ginger garlic paste and sauté for 1 more minute.

  5. 5

    Tip in mixed vegetables, turmeric, garam masala, and yogurt; cook for 3–4 minutes until vegetables start softening.

  6. 6

    Stir in soaked rice gently; add 3 cups hot water and salt. Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with tight lid or foil, and cook undisturbed 18–20 minutes.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat and let the pot rest without opening for at least 10 minutes to finish steaming (dum).

  8. 8

    Fluff gently with fork, top with reserved cashews and raisins before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. Which ingredient brings out the signature aroma in this Dum Pulao recipe?
The distinctive aroma of Dum Pulao mainly comes from the use of whole spices—cumin seeds, green cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon—sautéed in ghee. Their warm, fragrant notes infuse the rice and vegetables, making them the key contributors to both flavor and aroma.
Q. What is the most important cooking technique for perfect Dum Pulao texture?
The 'dum' or steam-cooking step is crucial. After simmering the rice with vegetables and spices, resting the sealed pot for 10 minutes off heat finishes the cooking by gentle steam. This ensures tender, separate grains and prevents sogginess.
Q. How do I keep the rice from turning mushy or sticky?
Rinse the basmati rice well to remove extra starch and soak it before cooking. During cooking, avoid stirring too vigorously. Letting the Pulao rest covered after cooking allows moisture to redistribute, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this Dum Pulao provides approximately 310 kcal, with about 6 grams of protein per serving. The carbohydrate proportion is higher, making this an aromatic, energy-rich but light vegetarian main or side dish.
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