Aarsi's Ultimate Pea Pulao

Elevate your meal with Aarsi’s Ultimate Pea Pulao—an aromatic, one-pot rice dish that’s brimming with vibrant flavors and delightful textures! Made with fragrant basmati rice, tender green peas, and an exquisite blend of warm spices like cumin, green cardamom, and cinnamon, this pulao is cooked to perfection in ghee or vegetable oil for a rich, buttery finish. Thinly sliced caramelized onions and a hint of garlic add depth, while fresh cilantro and optional green chili bring a pop of freshness and heat. Ready in just 35 minutes, this simple yet satisfying recipe is perfect as a standalone vegetarian meal or as a flavorful accompaniment to curries and kebabs. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this classic Indian rice dish is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1.5 cups Water
• 0.75 cup Green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 2 pieces Green cardamom pods
• 3 pieces Cloves
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• 1 piece Green chili (optional, finely chopped)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the ghee or vegetable oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until aromatic.

Step 4

Add the bay leaf, green cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Stir for 30 seconds to release their fragrances.

Step 5

Stir in the sliced onion and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and optional green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until the garlic turns fragrant.

Step 7

Mix in the drained rice, stirring gently to coat it in the spice mixture for about 2 minutes.

Step 8

Add the green peas and salt, then pour in the measured water.

Step 9

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and let the pulao sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(822.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	428.3

Total Fat 3.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2408.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 87.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.0g	0%
Total Sugars 12.2g
Protein 16.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 194.7mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 695.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 6.1%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 79.4%