Go Back
vegetable palav karnataka style

Karnataka style Veg Pulao Recipe

Santosh Allada
Karnataka style Veg Pulao recipe is a spicy and flavorful South Indian rice preparation. Rice and vegetables are cooked together with a special masala paste of spices, herbs, and fresh coconut.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine South Indian
Servings 3 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Rice soaked and drained
  • 1 tbsp Oil
  • 2-3 tbsp Clarified butter ghee
  • 2 medium size Bay leaf
  • 1 small Onion sliced
  • 1/2 cup Mixed Vegetables
  • 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp Mint leaves
  • 1 tbsp Coriander leaves
  • 2 tbsp Curd
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups Water

Green Masala Paste

  • 1 small Bay leaf
  • 2-3 numbers Cloves
  • 1 inch Cinnamon stick
  • 2 numbers Green Cardamom
  • 1 numbers Star Anise
  • 1 small piece Stone flower
  • 1/2 tsp Shahi jeera
  • 1/2 tsp Fennel seeds saunf
  • 1 tsp Dried fenugreek leaves kasuri methi
  • 1 tsp Coriander seeds
  • 4-5 numbers Green chilies adjust as per taste
  • 5-6 cloves Garlic
  • 2 1-inch Ginger
  • 1/4 cup Mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup Coriander leaves
  • 4-5 numbers Spinach leaves
  • 2-3 tbsp Fresh Coconut grated or sliced
  • Salt

Instructions
 

  • Rinse 1 cup of rice until the water runs clear and soak it in water for 30 minutes.

To prepare Green Masala Paste

  • Add whole spices to a blender jar and grind to a fine powder. Add the rest of the ingredients and grind to a smooth paste by adding minimum water.

To prepare the Veg Pulao

  • Heat oil + ghee in a pressure cooker over medium flame. When hot, add bay leaf and sliced onion. Saute until the onion changes to light golden color.
  • Add mixed vegetables and turmeric powder. Saute for 10 seconds.
  • Add mint leaves and coriander leaves. Saute until the leaves wilt.
  • Add the ground masala paste and saute until the raw smell of the masala goes away and the oil separates at the sides.
  • Add 2 tbsp curd and saute stirring continuously. Add salt and give a good mix.
  • Add 2 cups of water (possibly hot water) and give a good mix.
  • Let the water come to a rolling boil. Check for seasoning and add salt, if needed.
  • Add the soaked and drained rice. Give a good mix.
  • Cover the pressure cooker with the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles on a high flame. Switch off the flame and let the pressure from the cooker release naturally.
  • Open the cooker lid and mix carefully.
  • Karnataka style Veg PulavĀ is ready to savor. Serve hot with any gravy kurma, salad, raita, papad, etc.

Notes

I prefer to use sona masoori rice in this recipe, but feel free to use your favorite medium or long-grain rice. Make sure to adjust the amount of water according to the rice variety.
If fresh coconut is not available then you use coconut milk, 1/2 cup of coconut milk + 1.5 cups of water.
If you cooking in an open pot, close the lid and cook till done. It can take about 15-20 minutes on low flame.