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Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao): Easy Rice Recipe!

How to make Peas Pulao- an easy and delicious, one-pot, vegetable rice recipe. Make it using an Instant Pot or on your stovetop!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

The Rice & Peas

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium-sized onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup basmati rice (washed)
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • Salt (to taste)

The Spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 green cardamom seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1 inch cinnamon

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Instructions

Stove Top Method

  1.  Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add olive oil.

  2.  Once olive oil is hot, add in whole spices and sauté until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

  3. Add in sliced onions and sauté until onions turn light brown.

  4.  Add in green peas, basmati rice, water, and salt and mix well.

  5. Bring to a simmer turn the heat down to medium-low and place a tight-fitting lid on.

  6. Cook for 12 minutes with the lid on. 

  7. Remove from the stove and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes with the lid on.

  8.  Use a fork to fluff the rice. 

  9. Serve with Yellow Moong Dal Soup or Dal Makhani

Instant Pot Method

  1. On the instant pot, press the “Sauté” mode and add olive oil.

  2. Once olive oil is hot, add in whole spices and sauté until aromatic (about 30 seconds).

  3. Add in sliced onions and sauté until onions turn light brown.

  4. Add in green peas, basmati rice, water, and salt and mix well.

  5. Close the lid on the pot and turn the valve from “Venting” to the “Sealing” position, then press “Cancel”.

  6. Set the pot to “Manual/Pressure Cook” (high pressure) and set the timer to 6 minutes.

  7. Do a quick release and once the pressure is released, open the lid and gently fluff rice.

  8. Serve with Yellow Moong Dal Soup or Dal Makhani

BON APPÉTIT!

Pro Tips

  1. You can store your leftover Pea Pulao or Vegetable Pulao in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply put a damp paper towel on the rice before reheating in the microwave or steam oven. The moister from the paper towel ensures that the rice stays soft and fluffy.

  2. Want to spruce up bland rice? Add butter or olive oil with some salt and pepper while hot. Replacing your cooking water with flavored broth is also a neat trick.

  3. Using the dried versions of these spices will still add tons of flavor to your dish.

  4. Making this dish in place of plain white rice will amplify any meal.

  5. Pea Pulao can be served with the traditional Yellow Moong Dal Soup, your favorite curries, or as a side dish at your next family get-together. The options are truly endless!

Leave a comment below and let me know how you served this!