Matar pulav

Matar Pulav (Peas Pulao) is the ultimate comfort food—fragrant, mildly spiced, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect companion for a spicy gravy or a simple bowl of raita.
Here is a foolproof recipe for fluffy, non-sticky Matar Pulav.
Ingredients
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Grains | 1.5 cups Basmati rice (soaked for 20-30 mins) |
| Vegetables | 1 cup Green peas (fresh or frozen), 1 medium onion (sliced) |
| Whole Spices | 1 Bay leaf, 1 Cinnamon stick, 3 Cloves, 2 Green cardamoms, 1 tsp Cumin seeds |
| Aromatics | 1 tsp Ginger-garlic paste, 2 Green chilies (slit) |
| Fat & Liquid | 2 tbsp Ghee or Oil, 2.5 cups Water, Salt to taste |
Preparation Steps
Sauté the Spices: Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker. Add the whole spices (cumin, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Fry Aromatics: Add the sliced onions and fry until they turn translucent (don't brown them too much if you want a white pulav). Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, sautéing for another minute.
Add Peas & Rice: Toss in the green peas and sauté for 2 minutes. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently stir for a minute to coat the rice grains with ghee—this keeps them separate.
Simmer: Add 2.5 cups of water and salt.
In a pot: Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to the lowest setting. Cover with a tight lid and cook for 10–12 minutes until the water is absorbed.
In a pressure cooker: Close the lid and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.
The Rest: Once cooked, turn off the heat and do not open the lid immediately. Let it steam for 10 minutes. This ensures the grains firm up and don't break.
Pro-Tips for Success
The Rice Ratio: For Basmati rice, the general rule is 1:1.5 or 1:1.75 (rice to water) depending on how long you soaked it.
A Squeeze of Lemon: Adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the boiling water makes the rice grains whiter and prevents them from sticking together.
Garnish: Top with fried cashews or fresh coriander for an extra touch of luxury.
Would you like me to suggest a quick Raita recipe or a side dish like Paneer Butter Masala to pair with this?