Refined Awadhi-Style Green Pea Pulao

Ingredients

• 6 green cardamom (green cardamom)
• 1 piece nutmeg (small piece; nutmeg)
• 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 piece cinnamon stick (cinnamon)
• 1 piece stone flower (black stone flower)
• 1 bay leaf (bay leaf)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste (ginger-garlic aromatic base)
• salt (to taste)
• red chili powder (to taste)
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen; adjusted to preference)
• 1.5 cup basmati rice (soaked)
• 1.5 cup water (equal to rice quantity)
• 2 green chilies (green chilies)

Steps

1. 1

   Prepare the fragrant spice base by grinding 6 green cardamoms and a small piece of nutmeg into a fine powder.

2. 2

   Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pulao vessel.

3. 3

   Add the whole spices—cinnamon stick, stone flower, and bay leaf—to the hot ghee.

4. 4

   Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until they become light golden brown.

5. 5

   Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw aroma disappears.

6. 6

   Add salt and red chili powder according to your taste preferences.

7. 7

   Add the green peas to the spice base and sauté briefly.

8. 8

   Pour in 1.5 cup of water and bring to a simmer.

9. 9

   Add the soaked basmati rice and whole green chilies to the pot.

10. 10

    Cook on medium heat until the water level reduces significantly and only a small amount remains.

11. 11

    Sprinkle the prepared cardamom and nutmeg powder over the top of the rice.

12. 12

    Cover the pot tightly with a lid and place on low heat for 'dum' (slow steaming) until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

13. 13

    Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork; the aroma should be fragrant. Serve hot.

Notes

The recipe emphasizes that Lucknowi pulao relies on delicate, balanced aromas rather than heavy spices. The ratio of rice to water used here is 1:1, which works well for pre-soaked basmati rice to keep grains separate.

Nutrition per serving

• pulao
• pea pulao
• Awadhi
• Lucknowi
• vegetarian
• main course
• rice dish
• Indian