Pulao (Rice Pilaf), a fragrant and mildly spiced rice dish, is a delightful combination of basmati rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This version of the recipe is free from onions and garlic, making it suitable for offering to Krishna and perfect for those following a sattvic diet.
Prepared with love and devotion, Pulao is a beloved dish among devotees and a wonderful addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pulao can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Raita: Serve Pulao with a cooling cucumber or mint raita for a refreshing contrast.
- With Curries: Pair with any vegetable or lentil curry for a complete meal.
- As a Main Dish: Enjoy Pulao as a main dish with a side of papad and pickles.
- Festive Meal: Pulao is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, making it a perfect dish to share with family and friends.
These serving suggestions make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
History
Pulao has a rich history in Indian cuisine, traditionally made with a variety of vegetables and spices to create a flavorful one-pot dish. This version, free from onions and garlic, adheres to the principles of a sattvic diet. By focusing on purity and devotion, Pulao has become a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens, symbolizing simplicity and nourishment.
Bhakti Thought
Pulao is more than just a dish; it is an expression of creativity, nourishment, and devotion. By preparing and offering this dish to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming the act of cooking into a spiritual journey. This dish serves as a reminder that even the simplest of ingredients, when combined with devotion and care, can create something extraordinary. Let this Pulao inspire you to cook with a heart full of love and to see each meal as an offering to Krishna, bringing us closer to Him with every bite.
PrintPulao Recipe
Pulao is a comforting and flavorful dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich Pulao combines wholesome ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that enhances any meal. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 – 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Simmer
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) basmati rice
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 small potato, diced
- 1/2 cup (75 g) green peas
- 2 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups (475 ml) water
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice:
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
- Cook the Spices:
- In a pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cumin seeds. Let them crackle and become fragrant.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the diced carrot, potato, and green peas. Stir fry for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Spices and Rice:
- Add the ginger paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to coat the rice with the vegetables and spices.
- Cook the Rice:
- Add 2 cups of water to the pan and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook until the rice is done and the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Fluff up the pulao with a fork before serving. Offer to Krishna and serve hot as a main dish or side dish.
Notes
- Versatility Tip: You can add other vegetables such as beans, cauliflower, or bell peppers for added variety and flavor.
- Enhancing Flavor: Toasting the cumin seeds and whole spices before adding the vegetables enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Rice Tips: To keep the rice grains separate and add flavor, add a spoonful of ghee when bringing the rice to a boil. A teaspoon of lime juice also helps keep the grains separate and makes the rice appear pure white.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg