Hara Bhara Pulao | Coriander Mint Coconut Pulao
Hara Bhara Pulao is a flavorful, nutrient-rich rice dish made with fresh greens, spices, and vegetables like beans and peas. Blended with a paste of coriander, mint, and coconut, this pulao is both tasty and healthy. Serve it with raita for a balanced, satisfying meal perfect for all ages.
Prep Time30 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time1 hour hr
Course: Rice Varieties
Cuisine: Indian
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 165kcal
Author: Sowmya Venkatachalam
- 1 cup Raw Rice
- 1 tablespoon Cashew
- 1 nos Onion sliced
- ½ cup French Beans 1" chopped Pieces
- ½ cup Green Peas
- 2 cups Water
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to your taste
- 1 teaspoon Ghee (Clarified butter)
For Grinding
- ½ cup Grated Coconut
- 1 teaspoon Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Garlic
- 2 nos Green Chilli
- ½ cup Coriander Leaves
- 10 nos Mint Leaves
For Tempering
- 2 tablespoon Ghee (Clarified butter)
- 2 nos Cardamom
- 1 inch Cinnamon (Pattai)
- 4 nos Cloves (Krambu / Lavang)
- 1 nos Star Anise
Masala Paste
Place grated coconut, coriander leaves, mint leaves, ginger, garlic, and green chili into a mixer jar. Grind into a smooth paste and set aside.
½ cup Grated Coconut, 1 tsp Ginger, 1 tsp Garlic, ½ cup Coriander Leaves, 10 nos Mint Leaves, 2 nos Green Chilli
Tempering
Heat 1 teaspoon of ghee in a pan. Add the cashews and fry until golden brown, then set them aside. In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and toss in the whole spices—cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
1 tbsp Cashew, 1 tsp Ghee (Clarified butter), 2 tbsp Ghee (Clarified butter), 2 nos Cardamom, 1 inch Cinnamon (Pattai), 4 nos Cloves (Krambu / Lavang), 1 nos Star Anise
Saute Onions
Add sliced onions to the pan and sauté until they turn light brown. Next, add the chopped beans and green peas, stirring well. Then, add the green paste prepared earlier and mix thoroughly.
1 nos Onion, ½ cup Green Peas, ½ cup French Beans
Cook Rice
Finally, add the rice. Drain the soaking water, then add the rice to the pan. Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt to taste, and gently mix everything together.
2 cups Water, 1 tsp Salt
Allow the rice to cook uncovered until all the water is absorbed. Then, cover the pan with a lid and cook on very low heat for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but keep the lid closed. Let the rice rest in the covered pan for a few more minutes before serving.
Tips to make Hara Bhara Pulao
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh greens like spinach, coriander, and mint enhance the flavor and nutrition of the pulao. Opt for high-quality, fresh vegetables for the best taste.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of green chili based on your spice preference. For a milder flavor, you can omit it or reduce the quantity.
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Soak the Rice: Soaking the rice for at least 30 minutes helps achieve fluffy grains. It allows the rice to absorb water, which results in a more even cooking process.
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Cooking Technique: Keep the lid on while the rice cooks to trap steam, which helps it cook evenly. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain the right temperature and moisture.
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Resting Period: After cooking, let the pulao sit covered for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up, making it easier to serve.
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Add Nuts for Crunch: Frying cashews or almonds adds a delightful crunch and richness to the dish. You can also experiment with different nuts for varied textures.
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Pairing Suggestions: Hara Bhara Pulao pairs well with various raitas, yogurt, or a side salad. Choose a cooling side dish to balance the spices and enhance the meal.
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Meal Prep: This pulao is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a convenient option for busy weekdays.
By following these tips, you can elevate your Hara Bhara Pulao and impress your family and friends with this nutritious and delicious dish!
Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 4g