Modur Pulao
A fragrant Kashmiri sweet rice dish, gently sweetened and loaded with crunchy nuts and saffron. This celebratory pulao brings the authentic flavors of the valley to your table, perfect for festive meals.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Saffron Milk (30 minutes)
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water is clear. Soak the rice in ample water for 30 minutes.
- c.While the rice soaks, gently warm the milk in a small bowl. Add the saffron strands and set aside to infuse.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Nuts and Raisins (3 minutes)
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or pan over medium heat.
- c.Add the almonds, cashews, and walnuts. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown.
- d.Add the raisins and continue to sauté for another 30 seconds until they plump up. Be careful not to burn them.
- e.Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried nuts and raisins from the pan and set them aside for garnishing.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Temper Whole Spices (1 minute)
- b.In the same pan with the remaining ghee, add the cinnamon stick, crushed green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf.
- c.Sauté for about 45 seconds until the spices release their fragrant aroma.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Pulao (20 minutes)
- b.Drain the soaked rice completely and add it to the pot. Gently stir-fry for 2 minutes, ensuring the grains are well-coated with ghee without breaking them.
- c.Pour in the water, saffron-infused milk, sugar, and salt. Stir gently just once to combine all the ingredients.
- d.Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- e.Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is perfectly cooked.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve (10 minutes)
- b.Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, covered and undisturbed, for at least 10 minutes. This step allows the grains to firm up and separate.
- c.Open the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- d.Garnish generously with the fried nuts and raisins.
- e.Serve the Modur Pulao hot as a standalone dish or as part of a festive Kashmiri meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality, aged basmati rice for the best texture, long grains, and aroma.
- 2Soaking the rice is a crucial step for achieving fluffy, separate grains. Do not skip it.
- 3Avoid stirring the rice while it is simmering, as this can break the grains and make the pulao mushy.
- 4Ensure your pot has a heavy bottom to distribute heat evenly and prevent the sugar and rice from scorching at the bottom.
- 5The sweetness can be adjusted. Start with a little less sugar if you prefer a milder sweet taste, then add more if needed before covering to cook.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan / Jain Version
Replace ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil. Substitute the dairy milk with water or a plant-based milk like almond milk.
Different Nuts & FruitsDifferent Nuts & Fruits
Feel free to incorporate other nuts like pistachios or dried fruits like chopped apricots or dates for varied textures and flavors.
Richer FlavorRicher Flavor
For an even richer and creamier pulao, add 2-3 tablespoons of crumbled khoya (milk solids) along with the sugar.
Natural SweetenerNatural Sweetener
You can replace white sugar with an equal amount of powdered jaggery (gur). This will give the pulao a more earthy sweetness and a darker color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Provides Instant Energy
The combination of carbohydrates from basmati rice and simple sugars provides a quick and substantial energy boost, making it a fulfilling dish for special occasions and celebrations.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are excellent sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
Aromatic and Mood-Lifting
Spices like saffron and cardamom are known for their mood-enhancing properties. The beautiful aroma of the pulao can be uplifting, helping to reduce stress and create a festive atmosphere.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Modur Pulao contains approximately 545-580 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the exact quantities of ghee, sugar, and nuts used.