Vegetable Pilav(Rice Cooked With Vegetables)
A flavorful vegetable pilav featuring fragrant rice cooked with spices, vegetables, and nuts, perfect for a hearty, vegetarian main or side dish for family meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basumathi rice
- 2 hot green peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 inch ginger ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 ounces butter ⓘ
- 12 raw cashew nuts ⓘ
- 2 sticks cinnamon ⓘ
- 4 cloves ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves ⓘ
- 4 whole green cardamom ⓘ
- 6 mint leaves ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, carrots, and cauliflower ⓘ
Instructions
- Grind garlic and ginger into a paste.
- In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves, mint leaves, and hot green peppers.
- When the onion turns light brown, add 2 1/2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- When the mixture boils, add rice and salt. Cook until rice is half done.
- Add the vegetables and mix well for 1 minute.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (about 180°C) for 20 minutes.
- Saute cashew nuts in one tablespoon of butter over medium heat until golden brown, then mix with the cooked vegetable rice.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron or turmeric to the water while cooking the rice. You can substitute basmati rice with jasmine rice if needed, though the cooking time may vary slightly. Fresh vegetables can be swapped for frozen ones, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a twist, add some nuts or dried fruits, much like in traditional Indian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vegetable Pilav hot, garnished with fresh mint or coriander for added freshness. It pairs beautifully with a side of yogurt or raita to balance the spices. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a protein dish, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, or as part of a vegetarian feast with dishes such as Eid Milk Drink.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Vegetable Pilav in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot, or warm it on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable Pilav(Rice Cooked With Vegetables) contains roughly 2396 calories, with 32g protein, 246g carbohydrates, and 162g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (165% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (146% of the Daily Value), and calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2333mg per serving (101% 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 use different types of vegetables in this pilav?
Absolutely! You can use any combination of vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetables used.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this Vegetable Pilav vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based oil or vegan butter. Additionally, ensure that any optional toppings or sides are also vegan-friendly to keep the dish entirely plant-based.
Can I prepare this pilav in advance for a gathering?
Definitely! You can prepare the pilav a few hours in advance and keep it warm in the oven. Alternatively, you can make it a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat it just before serving. This makes it a great option for gatherings or meal prep!
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).