Matar Pulao Recipe

Matar Pulao Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Anukriti Cooking Recipes on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $4.72 total, $1.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Basmati Rice (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (can use fresh or boiled peas)
  • 3 medium Potatoes (peeled and diced 1‑inch cubes)
  • 2 tablespoon Desi Ghee (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin Seeds (whole seeds)
  • 1 piece Bay Leaf (whole)
  • 1 pod Green Cardamom (lightly cracked)
  • 1 piece Star Anise (whole)
  • 3 pieces Black Peppercorns (whole)
  • 2 pieces Cloves (whole)
  • 3 medium Onion (finely chopped; discard outer yellow layer if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (helps caramelize onions)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoon Garlic (minced (about 4‑5 cloves))
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger (grated)
  • 2 tablespoon Green Chilies (finely chopped; adjust for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (mild, gives vibrant color)
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chaat Masala
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1 medium Tomato (grated; no visible pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped for garnish)
  • 2 cup Water (for cooking rice)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and Drain Rice

    Place the basmati rice in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep Vegetables & Aromatics

    Finely chop the onions, dice the potatoes, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, finely chop the green chilies, and grate the tomato. Set each aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Temper Whole Spices

    Heat the ghee in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cracked green cardamom, star anise, black peppercorns, and cloves. Stir until the spices turn a light golden brown and become aromatic.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Sauté Onions with Sugar

    Add the finely chopped onions to the cooker. Sprinkle 1 tbsp sugar over them and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep golden brown.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Add Garlic, Ginger, and Green Chilies

    Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Cook Potatoes

    Add the diced potatoes, mix well, and sauté for 3 minutes so they get a light coating of the spice mixture.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Add Peas and Tomato

    Add the frozen peas and grated tomato. Stir and let the tomato release its moisture (about 2 minutes).

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  8. Spice It Up

    Sprinkle Kashmiri red chili powder, coriander powder, chaat masala, garam masala, and salt. Mix thoroughly so the vegetables are evenly coated.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Add Lemon Juice

    Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for a subtle tang.

    Time: PT30S

  10. Incorporate Rice

    Gently fold the rinsed basmati rice into the spiced vegetable mixture, ensuring each grain is coated.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Add Water and Pressure Cook

    Pour 2 cups of water over the rice. Close the pressure cooker lid, bring to high flame and cook for 1 whistle (approximately 5 minutes). Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally for about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: High flame

  12. Fluff and Garnish

    Open the cooker, gently fluff the pulao with a fork, and sprinkle chopped fresh coriander leaves on top.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
6 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy (ghee)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Matar Pulao Recipe

Recipe by Anukriti Cooking Recipes

A fragrant, colorful Indian peas pulao loaded with potatoes, aromatic whole spices, and a hint of lemon. This recipe from Anukriti Cooking Recipes promises the best homemade Matar Pulao you’ll ever taste.

MediumIndianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
21m
Prep
24m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.72
Total cost
$1.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Tempering whole spices until lightly browned
  • Caramelizing onions with sugar for color and flavor
  • Ensuring rice is added after vegetables are fully spiced
  • Cooking under pressure for the correct time and allowing natural pressure release
  • Fluffing the rice gently to keep grains separate

Safety Warnings

  • Hot ghee can cause severe burns; handle with care.
  • When using a pressure cooker, ensure the lid is properly sealed and never open until pressure has fully released.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Matar Pulao in Indian cuisine?

A

Matar Pulao is a classic North Indian comfort dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with sweet peas and aromatic spices. Historically, it was prepared for festivals and family gatherings because it is quick, nutritious, and can be made with pantry staples.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Matar Pulao across India?

A

In Punjab, the pulao often includes ghee, potatoes, and a generous amount of garam masala. In Gujarat, a hint of sweet jaggery and turmeric is added, while in South India, coconut and curry leaves replace some of the whole spices for a distinct flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Matar Pulao traditionally served in Indian households?

A

Matar Pulao is typically served hot, garnished with fresh coriander, alongside yogurt‑based raita, pickles, or a simple cucumber salad. It can also be part of a larger thali with dal, curries, and papad.

cultural
Q

During which Indian celebrations is Matar Pulao commonly prepared?

A

Matar Pulao is popular during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and regional harvest celebrations because it can be made in large batches and pairs well with festive sweets and savory dishes.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients make a traditional Indian Matar Pulao different from other rice dishes?

A

Key authentic ingredients include basmati rice, ghee, whole spices (cumin, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, star anise), fresh peas, and a touch of lemon juice. These create a distinct aroma and flavor profile that sets it apart from plain plain rice or biryani.

cultural
Q

What other Indian dishes pair well with Matar Pulao?

A

Matar Pulao pairs beautifully with Punjabi paneer butter masala, dal tadka, chicken curry, or a simple cucumber‑mint raita. It also complements pickled vegetables and papad for added texture.

cultural
Q

What makes Matar Pulao special or unique in Indian cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the balance of sweet peas, aromatic whole spices, and the richness of ghee, all cooked together in a single pot, delivering a fragrant, one‑pot meal that is both comforting and celebratory.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Matar Pulao at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑toasting the whole spices (which makes them bitter), adding rice before the vegetables are fully cooked, and not allowing the pressure cooker to release pressure naturally, which can result in mushy rice.

technical
Q

Why does this Matar Pulao recipe use a pressure cooker instead of a regular pot?

A

The pressure cooker cooks the rice and vegetables quickly while sealing in steam, which keeps the grains fluffy and the peas tender. A regular pot would require a longer simmer and may produce unevenly cooked rice.

technical
Q

Can I make Matar Pulao ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare Matar Pulao a day ahead. Cool it to room temperature, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on low heat with a splash of water to restore moisture.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes specializes in easy‑to‑follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional flavors, step‑by‑step guidance, and budget‑friendly meals for everyday cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Anukriti Cooking Recipes' approach to Indian cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?

A

Anukriti Cooking Recipes emphasizes clear visual instructions, uses common household ingredients, and often shares personal tips and cultural anecdotes, making the recipes feel more relatable compared to channels that focus on elaborate plating or gourmet techniques.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

South Indian Vegetable Pulao
11

South Indian Vegetable Pulao

A fragrant and colorful South Indian-style vegetable pulao cooked with basmati rice, whole spices, and a medley of fresh vegetables. Perfect for lunch boxes and pairs well with potato roast or ennai kathirikai.

1 hr 5 minServes 4$7
South Indian
Kukkar Mutton Pulao
14

Kukkar Mutton Pulao

A flavorful Indian pressure‑cooker mutton pulao that mimics restaurant quality. The secret is pre‑cooking the mutton, soaking the basmati rice, and layering aromatic whole spices, ghee, yogurt, and fresh herbs for a rich, fragrant one‑pot meal.

1 hr 35 minServes 4$17
Indian
मटर पुलाव-हरी मटर व खड़े मसालों के साथ-खुशबूदार खिला-खिला खास स्वाद-लंच या डिनर-Perfect Matar Pulao
5

मटर पुलाव-हरी मटर व खड़े मसालों के साथ-खुशबूदार खिला-खिला खास स्वाद-लंच या डिनर-Perfect Matar Pulao

A quick, aromatic Indian one‑pot pulao featuring tender potatoes, sweet peas, and fragrant whole spices. Made with basmati rice that’s soaked for extra length and fluff, this dish is perfect for a family dinner and pairs beautifully with raita or papad.

1 hr 30 minServes 4$6
Indian
Chili Garlic Tawa Chicken & Pulao
59

Chili Garlic Tawa Chicken & Pulao

A vibrant Indian‑style tawa chicken packed with garlic, green chilies, fresh mint and coriander, served with a nutty green‑chili chutney and fragrant basmati rice. The dish balances heat, tanginess, and herbaceous freshness for a satisfying main course.

1 hr 10 minServes 4$12
Indian
Smokey Aaloo- Matar Pulao in Cooker
4

Smokey Aaloo- Matar Pulao in Cooker

A fragrant, one‑grain‑separated potato and green pea pulao made quickly in a pressure cooker. The recipe uses long‑grain Basmati rice, new potatoes, whole spices, and a touch of lemon juice for a fresh finish, served with a cool onion‑mint raita.

1 hr 50 minServes 4$10
Indian
कुकर में SPICY ALOO MATAR Pulao बनाएं इतना आसान और टेस्टी की आप उंगलिआं चाटते रह जाओगे
1

कुकर में SPICY ALOO MATAR Pulao बनाएं इतना आसान और टेस्टी की आप उंगलिआं चाटते रह जाओगे

A vibrant, spicy garlic pulao loaded with potatoes, peas, and a fiery red‑chili‑garlic chutney. The rice stays fluffy and separate thanks to a special no‑soak method and a pressure‑cooker finish. Perfect for winter evenings and a great way to enjoy a classic Indian comfort dish with an extra kick.

1 hr 9 minServes 4$24
Indian