Low Sodium Pulao Rice

Delight in the vibrant harmony of flavors with this Low Sodium Pulao Rice recipe, a fragrant and health-conscious twist on a classic Indian dish. Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this recipe relies on aromatic spices like cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon to infuse every grain of basmati rice with warmth and depth. A medley of colorful vegetables—carrots, green beans, and peas—adds both nutrition and a satisfying crunch. Enhanced with zesty lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric for a golden hue, this one-pot meal is as beautiful as it is wholesome. Ready in under an hour and garnished with fresh cilantro, it’s an ideal side or light main dish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite yogurt or curry. Whether you're seeking a heart-healthy option or simply a flavorful, low-sodium recipe, this pulao is sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 0.5 cup Green beans, chopped
• 0.5 cup Green peas
• 1 medium Onion, sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
• 1 unit Bay leaf
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 4 units Cloves
• 2 units Cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 6

Add the diced carrot, green beans, and green peas to the pan. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Step 7

Stir in the turmeric powder and black pepper.

Step 8

Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan. Gently mix to coat the rice with the spices and oil.

Step 9

Pour in the water, add the lemon juice, and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and let the pulao sit covered for 5 minutes to allow it to steam.

Step 11

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1157.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	704.2

Total Fat 30.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 108.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.2g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 17.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 289.8mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 1136.9mg	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: 36.4%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 54.2%