Navratan Pulao
A royal Mughlai rice dish featuring nine 'jewels'—a colorful mix of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and paneer. This fragrant and mildly sweet pulao is perfect for celebrations and special meals.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Saffron
- b.Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in ample water for 30 minutes.
- c.In a small bowl, combine the saffron strands with 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Set aside to infuse.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Fry the 'Jewels'
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the cashew nuts and almonds. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they turn a light golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- d.In the same ghee, add the paneer cubes and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- e.Finally, add the raisins and fry for about 30 seconds until they plump up. Remove immediately to prevent burning and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Aromatic Base
- b.Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee to the pot.
- c.Once hot, add the whole spices: bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom, and shahi jeera. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until they become fragrant.
- d.Add the sliced onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- f.Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Pulao
- b.Drain the soaked rice completely and add it to the pot.
- c.Gently fold the rice with the vegetables and spices for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to break the delicate grains.
- d.Pour in 3 cups of water and 1/4 cup of milk. Add salt and sugar, and give it a final gentle stir.
- e.Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- f.Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook undisturbed for 15-18 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and let the pulao rest, still covered, for at least 10 minutes. This step is crucial for the grains to firm up and separate.
- c.Uncover the pot and gently fluff the rice with a fork.
- d.Sprinkle the garam masala over the rice and drizzle the saffron-infused milk on top.
- e.Gently fold in the fried nuts, paneer, raisins, and optional pineapple chunks.
- f.Garnish with fried onions and chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with a side of raita or a mild curry.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use aged, long-grain basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.
- 2Soaking the rice is a non-negotiable step for fluffy, separate grains.
- 3To prevent the rice grains from breaking, use a gentle folding motion rather than vigorous stirring.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can cook the rice in vegetable broth instead of water.
- 5Ensure your pot has a tight-fitting lid to trap the steam effectively, which is key to perfectly cooked rice (the 'dum' method).
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with a neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil. Substitute paneer with firm tofu or skip it.
Nut FreeNut-Free
Omit the cashews and almonds. You can add toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds at the end for a bit of crunch.
Fruit VariationsFruit Variations
Add other dried fruits like apricots or fresh fruit like pomegranate arils for extra color and sweetness.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 slit green chilies along with the onions for a mild kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boosting
The basmati rice provides complex carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy, offering a sustained release to keep you active.
Rich in Protein and Healthy Fats
Paneer, cashews, and almonds contribute plant-based protein essential for muscle repair and growth, along with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Packed with Vitamins and Fiber
The diverse mix of vegetables provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Source of Antioxidants
Spices like cloves and cinnamon, along with nuts and vegetables, are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
'Navratan' translates to 'nine jewels' in Hindi. The name refers to the nine different colorful and precious ingredients (vegetables, fruits, nuts, paneer) that are added to the rice, making it a dish fit for royalty.