Vegetarian Chicken Pilau

Discover a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish with this Vegetarian Chicken Pilau, a fragrant and satisfying one-pot meal rich in aromatic spices and hearty plant-based protein. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is infused with the warm, earthy flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, while sautéed vegetarian chicken pieces add a savory depth. Bright vegetables like carrots and green peas bring color and freshness, balanced with a touch of turmeric and coriander. Finished with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon, this vegetarian pilau is as nourishing as it is delicious. Quick to prepare in under an hour, it’s an ideal main course for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati Rice
• 250 grams Vegetarian chicken pieces
• 4 cups Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Onion, finely chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
• 1 large Carrot, diced
• 1 cup Green peas, fresh or frozen
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 4 Cloves
• 3 Cardamom pods
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 Lemon slices

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 5

Add the vegetarian chicken pieces to the pot, sautéing until they are slightly golden, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 6

Mix in the turmeric and coriander powders, followed by the diced carrot and green peas.

Step 7

Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains in the spices and oil.

Step 8

Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, adding salt. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let the pilau rest with the lid on for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork, then garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lemon slices on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2092.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1790.0

Total Fat 53.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5704.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 239.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.9g	0%
Total Sugars 37.1g
Protein 94.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 576.4mg	0%
Iron 24.9mg	0%
Potassium 3568.4mg	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: 26.6%

Protein: 20.8%

Carbs: 52.6%