North Indian Pilaf
A fragrant North Indian pilaf featuring aromatic spices, vegetables, and rice, perfect for wholesome meals and suited for vegetarians and spice lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin seed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. fennel seed ⓘ
- 3-inch cinnamon stick ⓘ
- 8 whole cardamon pods ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, shredded ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 carrot, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green peas ⓘ
- 3/4 cup small cauliflower florets ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups rice ⓘ
- 2 3/4 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large, heavy, nonstick pan.
- Add cumin and fennel seed; cook until darkened.
- Add cinnamon stick and cardamom pods; cook for one minute.
- Add chopped onion, shredded ginger, and chopped garlic; cook until onion is soft.
- Add grated carrot, green peas, cauliflower florets, and salt; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add rice and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in boiling water, stir, cover, and reduce heat to simmer until water is absorbed, about 40 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more aromatic pilaf, consider using basmati rice instead of regular rice. You can also substitute the vegetables based on your preference; bell peppers or green beans work well too. If you want a spicier kick, add a chopped green chili along with the onions. This recipe is also a great base for adding proteins like chickpeas or paneer for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
This North Indian Pilaf can be served alongside a cooling raita or a tangy mango chutney for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Curried Dofu Gravy for a complete meal. For an Indian-inspired brunch, serve it with an Indian Punch Cocktail to elevate the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pilaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to the pilaf and warm it in a microwave or stovetop until heated through. This helps to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of North Indian Pilaf contains roughly 2756 calories, with 21g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 239g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2979mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pilaf in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this pilaf a day ahead. After cooking, allow it to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of peanut oil?
If you're looking for an alternative to peanut oil, vegetable oil or ghee can be used. Both will provide a good flavor base for the spices and vegetables in this pilaf.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this North Indian Pilaf is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It's a delicious option for anyone following vegan recipes, and you can enhance it with chickpeas or tofu for added protein.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).