Sugar-Free Veg Pulav

Elevate your mealtime with this wholesome and aromatic Sugar-Free Veg Pulav, a perfect one-pot dish loaded with vibrant vegetables and infused with fragrant Indian spices. Made with fluffy basmati rice, carrots, green beans, peas, and cauliflower, this healthy pulav skips any added sugar while delivering bold, natural flavors. The warm notes of cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon enhance the dish, while a splash of golden turmeric adds both color and nutrition. Ready in just under 45 minutes, this sugar-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe is ideal for those seeking a balanced, satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it pairs beautifully with yogurt, raita, or a side of tangy pickle, making it a crowd-pleaser for lunchboxes, weeknight dinners, or festive occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Carrot, diced
• 0.5 cup Green beans, chopped
• 0.5 cup Green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 0.5 cup Cauliflower florets
• 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 2 Green cardamom pods
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 3 Cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.75 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Oil (vegetable or coconut)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat oil in a deep pan or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

Step 5

Add all the vegetables (carrot, green beans, green peas, and cauliflower) and mix well. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric powder and salt. Mix until the vegetables are coated evenly.

Step 7

Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and gently mix to combine with the spices and vegetables, being careful not to break the rice grains.

Step 8

Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the pulav cook for 15–20 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, cook for one whistle on medium heat, then turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

Step 10

After cooking, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot. Pair with yogurt, raita, or pickle for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1126.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	713.3

Total Fat 30.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1898.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 99.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 17.2g
Protein 17.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 263.2mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 1213.4mg	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: 37.1%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 53.6%