Pulao (sri Lankan Vegetable Biryani)

Pulao, also known as Sri Lankan Vegetable Biryani, is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is popular in Sri Lankan cuisine. This dish is packed with a variety of vegetables and fragrant spices, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pulao (sri Lankan Vegetable Biryani)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 4 cardamom pods
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup cashews, toasted
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods to the pot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the diced carrots, green beans, and cauliflower. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir in the turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Once the pulao is cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods.
  8. Transfer the pulao to a serving dish and garnish with toasted cashews and fresh cilantro.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
50 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
50g
Protein
8g
Fat
6g

Supplies

Large pot Serving dish

Tools

Cutting board Knife Measuring cups and spoons Fork

Serving suggestions

Serve the Pulao with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and papadums for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of saffron strands soaked in warm milk to the pulao before cooking.

Cost

$10