In Karnataka, the vegetable pulao is prepared slightly differently. A green paste made of mint, coriander leaves, coconut, and whole spices is ground and added, adding extra aroma and flavor to the pulao. Usually, sona masoori rice (short grain) is used for this recipe as opposed to basmati or jeera rice. I have used basmati rice in this veg pulao recipe. You can also make this pulao by skipping coconut, which I sometimes do, tastes as good as the original recipe. I have posted many Karnataka-style recipes on this blog. So if you are looking for more recipes, then check my Mandakki Usli, Methi Pulao, Bisibelebath, Masala Peanuts Chaat, Peanut Sambar, Maddur vada.
What is Pulao?
Pulao is a fragrant Indian-style rice dish where rice is cooked with spices and loads of vegetables. In India, they make a variety of Pulao like Peas Pulao, Beetroot Pulao, Palak Pulao, Methi Pulao, Coconut milk pulao, etc. Serve Pulao with raita, pickle, and papad, or eat as is.
Ingredients
Rice: I have used white basmati rice. You may also use medium grain sona masoori rice, adjust the water as needed. Vegetables: I have used onions, carrots, beans, green peas, cauliflower, capsicum, and potato. Oil: You can use any cooking oil. For best results, use ghee. Whole & Dry Spices: used bay leaf and turmeric powder. Lime Juice: juice of freshly squeezed lime juice. Green Masala Paste Ingredients: Used fresh/frozen grated coconut, ginger, garlic, green chilies, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds (saunf), mint, coriander leaves, onion, and water.
How to Make Karnataka Style Vegetable Pulao (Veg Palav)
Instant Pot Method
Firstly, take all ingredients listed “for grinding” and make a smooth paste in a blender using ¼ cup water. Don’t add too much water while grinding. Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Add oil, and once it’s hot, add Bay leaf and sliced onions. Saute for 2-3 minutes until they turn soft and light brown in color - stir regularly. Add mix vegetables and cook for another one minute. Then add mint-coriander masala paste, turmeric powder, salt, and saute for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of spices goes away. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid burning the masala paste. Add washed basmati rice, water and give a quick stir. Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 6 minutes. Once the pot beeps, Do a Quick Release (QR). Lastly, remove the lid away from you, garnish with coriander leaves and lime juice. Instant Pot Karnataka Style vegetable pulao recipe is ready. Serve with Raita or plain yogurt.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method
Follow the same steps as Instant Pot and Pressure cook the pulao for 2 whistles on medium-high flame and turn off the flame. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
What to Serve with Vegetable Pulao?
Serve this Hotel-style Veg palav with cucumber raita or onion tomato raita, papad, and pickle. Or serve with any kurma.
Tips
Since mint-coriander masala paste has water and also vegetables release water, so add water accordingly. For basmati rice add a 1:1.5 rice: water ratio. If you added more water while grinding reduce it to 1:1.25 rice: water ratio. Increase or decrease spices according to your preference. Traditional Karnataka Style Vegetable Pulao recipe is with sona masoori rice. You can also use Basmati rice.
Variations
You can use any vegetable of your choice, such as capsicum (bell pepper) and cabbage, or frozen vegetables. Vegans can replace ghee with oil. I have used frozen green peas here. If you are using dry peas, soak for at least 4-5 hours. In the end, you can also add bread croutons, which add a nice taste and texture to the pulao.
More Rice Recipes
Tendli Bhaat Recipe (Ivy Gourd Rice) Beetroot Rice Lemon Rice Ghee Rice Easy Spinach Rice Curd Rice
If you are looking for more such recipes, then check out my 25+ Instant Pot Indian Rice Recipes collection. ★ Like this recipe? FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Youtube for more quick & easy recipes.
