14 Vegetable Veg Pulao Recipes for Sides

Growing up in a bustling Indian household, the aroma of my mother’s vegetable pulao wafting from the kitchen was the ultimate comfort signal. It was our go-to side for weekend feasts, a vibrant mix of seasonal veggies simmered with fragrant basmati rice and whole spices. Those Sunday lunches, with steaming pulao alongside dal and raita, taught me early on how simple ingredients could transform into a symphony of flavors—earthy, spiced, and utterly nourishing.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking classic recipes with whatever veggies are bursting from my CSA box. From vibrant beets to crisp asparagus, these pulao variations have become my secret weapon for weeknight dinners. In today’s fast-paced world, where balanced sides matter more than ever for health-conscious eaters, vegetable pulao shines—gluten-free, veggie-packed, and ready in under 30 minutes. Dive into these 14 recipes and elevate your meals!

Classic Mixed Vegetable Pulao

This timeless side stars carrots, peas, beans, and cauliflower in fluffy basmati rice, seasoned with cumin, cloves, and bay leaves. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 cup basmati rice, 1 cup mixed veggies (chopped), 1 onion (sliced), 2 tsp ghee, 1 tsp cumin seeds, salt, 2 cups water. Rinse rice, sauté onions and spices in ghee, add veggies and rice, pour water, simmer 15 mins. Fluff and serve. Packed with fiber and vitamins, it’s a quick, one-pot wonder for balanced meals.

Carrot and Green Peas Pulao

Sweet carrots and tender peas bring natural sweetness to this vibrant side. Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, 1 cup carrots & peas, 1 onion, 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste, 2 tsp oil, garam masala, salt, 2 cups water. Sauté onions, ginger-garlic, and veggies; add soaked rice and spices, cook covered 12-15 mins. Beta-carotene rich for eye health, it’s a kid-friendly, low-cal option.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Pulao

Cruciferous power duo broccoli and cauliflower florets make this pulao nutrient-dense. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 cup broccoli-cauliflower mix, 1 tomato (chopped), 1 tsp turmeric, cumin, 2 tsp ghee, salt, water. Stir-fry spices and veggies, add rice and water, pressure cook 1 whistle or simmer 15 mins. High in antioxidants and vitamin C, it boosts immunity as a light side.

Bell Pepper Medley Pulao

Rainbow bell peppers (red, yellow, green) add crunch and color. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 cup diced bells, 1 onion, chili powder, 2 tsp oil, fresh herbs, salt, water. Sauté peppers and onions with spices, mix in rice, steam 15 mins. Vitamin-packed for heart health, this festive side pairs perfectly with curries.

Mushroom and Corn Pulao

Earthy mushrooms and juicy corn kernels for a meaty texture. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 cup mushrooms & corn, garlic, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp butter, salt, water. Sauté garlic, mushrooms, corn; add rice and simmer. Protein-rich and low-fat, ideal for vegetarians seeking umami sides.

Beetroot Pulao

Vibrant pink beets lend sweetness and stunning color. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 2 beets (diced), 1 carrot, cumin, 2 tsp ghee, yogurt (optional), salt, water. Boil beets lightly, sauté with spices, cook rice mix 15 mins. Detoxifying and iron-boosting, a unique side for festive plates.

Cabbage and Carrot Pulao

Shredded cabbage and carrots for a light, crunchy twist. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 cup cabbage-carrot shreds, green chilies, mustard seeds, 2 tsp oil, salt, water. Temper seeds, add veggies and rice, simmer covered. Aids digestion with probiotics potential, super quick for busy nights.

Zucchini and Tomato Pulao

Juicy zucchini and tangy tomatoes keep it fresh and saucy. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 zucchini & 2 tomatoes (chopped), oregano, 2 tsp olive oil, salt, water. Sauté veggies with herbs, stir in rice, cook 12 mins. Hydrating and low-carb, great for summer sides.

Spinach Pulao

Wilted spinach infuses green goodness and iron. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 2 cups spinach (chopped), garlic, cumin, 2 tsp ghee, lemon juice, salt, water. Blanch spinach, sauté spices, add rice mix and steam. Folate-rich for energy, a Popeye-approved healthy side.

Potato and Onion Pulao

Hearty potatoes and caramelized onions for comfort. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 2 potatoes (cubed), 2 onions, coriander powder, 2 tsp ghee, salt, water. Fry onions golden, add potatoes and rice, simmer 15 mins. Potassium-packed for muscle health, a satisfying everyday side.

Green Bean Pulao

Crisp green beans add snap and fiber. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 cup green beans (chopped), ginger, cardamom, 2 tsp oil, salt, water. Sauté beans with spices, mix rice, cook covered. Weight-management friendly with high fiber, pairs with grilled mains.

Eggplant Pulao

Silky eggplant (brinjal) absorbs spices beautifully. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 eggplant (cubed), curry leaves, 2 tsp sesame oil, turmeric, salt, water. Roast eggplant lightly, combine with rice and simmer. Anti-inflammatory benefits, a South Indian-inspired side.

Pumpkin Pulao

Sweet, nutty pumpkin for fall vibes. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 cup pumpkin (cubed), cinnamon, 2 tsp ghee, nuts (optional), salt, water. Sauté pumpkin and spices, add rice, steam 15 mins. Vitamin A powerhouse for skin health, cozy seasonal side.

Asparagus and Almond Pulao

Tender asparagus spears with crunchy almonds for elegance. Ingredients: 1 cup rice, 1 bunch asparagus (chopped), handful almonds, saffron, 2 tsp butter, salt, water. Blanch asparagus, sauté with almonds and rice, infuse saffron. Omega-rich for brain health, gourmet side for dinners.

These 14 vegetable pulao recipes are your ticket to effortless, flavorful sides that pack nutrition without fuss—perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or weeknights. Grab your favorite veggies, fire up the stove, and taste the difference; your taste buds (and body) will thank you! Which one will you try first? Share in the comments below.