Kashmiri Pulao

Servings: 3 Total Time: 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner
Kashmiri Pulao pinit

Pulao has always been my go-to dish when I want something flavorful yet easy to make. 

I love how each variety brings something unique to the table. Kashmiri Pulao, in particular, is a personal favorite because of its mild sweetness, aromatic spices, and the crunch of nuts and raisins. 

The first time I made this dish, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so rich in flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare. 

So, let’s get started with this fragrant and delicious Kashmiri Pulao!

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr
Servings: 3 Calories: 500
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

Prep Work

  1. Wash and Soak Rice

    Wash the basmati rice well and soak it in water for about 30 minutes and set it aside.

  2. Slice Onions

    Slice the onions thinly.

  3. Soak Saffron

    Soak a few saffron strands in warm milk and keep it aside

  4. Prepare Dry Fruits & Spices

    Keep all the dry fruits and whole spices ready.

Method

  1. Roast Cashews

    Heat some ghee in a pan and add cashew nuts. Roast them until golden brown and keep them aside.

  2. Roast Almonds

    In the same pan, roast almonds until golden brown and set them aside.

  3. Roast Raisins

     Add raisins and roast until they plump up. Keep them aside as well.

  4. Fry Onions

     Now, add oil and ghee to a pan and fry the thinly sliced onions until they turn rich brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.

  5. Sauté Spices

     In a deep pan, heat ghee and add cinnamon, cloves, green cardamom, black cardamom, bay leaves, fennel seeds, and shahi jeera. Sauté until aromatic.

  6. Add Rice

    Add the soaked rice and gently mix it without breaking the grains. Roast for about 2 minutes.

  7. Add Hot Water

     Pour in hot water, add salt, and mix well.

  8. Add Saffron Milk

    Add saffron milk and mix everything gently.

  9. Cook Pulao

     Cover the pan and cook on medium-low flame for about 10 minutes.

  10. Garnish Pulao

    Once the rice is perfectly cooked, garnish with roasted cashew nuts, almonds, raisins, and fried onions.

  11. Add Fruits

    Finally, top with fresh pomegranate arils and pineapple pieces for a mild sweetness.

Equipment

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 3


Amount Per Serving
Calories 500kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 500mg21%
Total Carbohydrate 70g24%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 12g
Protein 9g18%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Kashmiri Pulao, mildly sweet, delicious

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Why should I soak the basmati rice before cooking?

Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly, makes the grains longer, and gives a fluffier texture. It also reduces cooking time.

Can I skip soaking the saffron in warm milk?

It’s best not to! Soaking saffron in warm milk helps release its color and aroma, enhancing the overall flavor of the pulao.

Why do I need to roast the nuts before adding them to the pulao?

Roasting enhances their flavor and crunch, giving a nice texture contrast to the soft rice.

How do I make sure the onions turn crispy?

Slice them thinly and fry them on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Also, spread them on a paper towel after frying to remove excess oil.

Can I use store-bought fried onions?

Yes, but fresh homemade fried onions taste much better and are free from preservatives.

Why do we sauté the spices before adding the rice?

This releases their essential oils, making the pulao more aromatic.

What can I use if I don’t have Shahi Jeera?

You can use regular cumin seeds, but Shahi Jeera has a more delicate, slightly sweet aroma that enhances the dish.

How do I know if I’ve added the right amount of salt?

Taste the water before cooking—if it tastes slightly salty, it will be just right after the rice absorbs it.

Do I have to add fresh fruits like pomegranate and pineapple?

They add a subtle sweetness and freshness, but you can skip them or replace them with apples or even dried apricots.

What side dishes go well with Kashmiri Pulao?

Pomegranate raita, boondi raita, or a mild paneer or vegetable curry pair beautifully with this dish.

 

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