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Pulao Recipe

Pulao recipe offered in a traditional bowl, topped with fresh coriander laves and spice.
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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Prepare the Rice:
    • Wash the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain.
  2. 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.
  3. Cook the Vegetables:
    • Add the diced carrot, potato, and green peas. Stir fry for a few minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://harekrishnarecipes.com/recipes/main-course/pulao-recipe/