Anda Pulao
Aromatic basmati rice cooked with whole spices and tender hard-boiled eggs. This one-pot meal is a quick, flavorful, and protein-packed option for a satisfying lunch or weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Eggs
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cool water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes, then drain completely.
- c.While the rice is soaking, place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes to hard-boil.
- d.Transfer the boiled eggs to an ice bath or cold water. Once cool enough to handle, peel them and make a few shallow slits on each egg with a knife.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté the Eggs
- b.Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the slit boiled eggs, a pinch (1/4 tsp) of turmeric powder, and a pinch (1/4 tsp) of red chili powder.
- d.Sauté for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently, until the eggs are lightly golden and coated with spices. Remove the eggs from the pot and set them aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Pulao Base
- b.In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tbsp of ghee. Once hot, add the whole spices: cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamoms. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they become fragrant.
- c.Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they turn soft and mushy.
- f.Add the powdered spices: remaining turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine Rice and Masala
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the whisked curd and stir continuously for a minute to prevent it from curdling.
- c.Add the drained basmati rice to the pot. Gently fold it into the masala for about a minute, being careful not to break the delicate rice grains.
- d.Pour in 3 cups of water and add the garam masala. Stir gently to combine everything.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cook, Simmer, and Rest
- b.Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the sautéed eggs back into the pot.
- c.Once boiling, reduce the heat to the absolute lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- d.Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, covered and undisturbed, for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for perfectly fluffy rice.
- e.After resting, open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the rice is essential for long, separate, and fluffy grains. Do not skip this step.
- 2Making shallow slits in the boiled eggs helps them absorb the flavors of the masala.
- 3For a richer flavor, use 'birista' (store-bought or homemade fried onions) instead of sautéing them from raw.
- 4Do not open the lid while the pulao is simmering or resting. This allows the steam to cook the rice perfectly.
- 5Be very gentle when mixing the rice with the masala to avoid breaking the grains.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Anda Pulao
Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables like peas, diced carrots, and beans along with the tomatoes to make it more nutritious.
Pressure Cooker MethodPressure Cooker Method
Follow steps 1-4 in a pressure cooker. After adding water and rice, close the lid and cook for 2 whistles on medium heat. Let the pressure release naturally.
Herbaceous FlavorHerbaceous Flavor
Add 2 tablespoons of chopped mint leaves along with the coriander leaves for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chilies or add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper powder along with the other powdered spices for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Eggs are a complete protein source, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates in basmati rice provide a steady release of energy, keeping you full and energized for longer periods.
Rich in Beneficial Spices
This dish uses spices like turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon, which are known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Anda Pulao contains approximately 550-600 calories, depending on the size of the eggs and the amount of ghee used. It's a substantial and filling meal.
