Green Pea Pulao with Cardamom and Almonds – A Royal Treat for Your Taste Buds

Imagine a plate of fragrant, perfectly cooked basmati rice infused with the warmth of whole spices, the subtle sweetness of green peas, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. This Green Pea Pulao with Cardamom and Almonds is a dish that celebrates simplicity while delivering a rich, comforting flavor.

Pulao has been an integral part of Indian cuisine for centuries, often prepared for festive occasions, family gatherings, or simply as a delicious one-pot meal. What makes this pulao recipe special is its balance of flavors—the earthiness of basmati rice, the floral notes of cardamom, and the nutty richness of almonds come together in every bite.

If you are looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful rice dish, this aromatic green pea pulao is just what you need.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Effortless – Ready in under 30 minutes
✔ Aromatic & Flavorful – Infused with whole spices and nuts
✔ Nutritious & Healthy – A perfect blend of protein, fiber, and good fats
✔ Perfect Side or Main Dish – Can be served with curries, raita, or enjoyed as is

This dish is versatile—whether you're cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or preparing a simple lunch, this pulao will never fail to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe requires simple pantry ingredients, but the right technique makes all the difference!

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice (soaked for 15 minutes)
• 1 ½ cups water or vegetable broth
• ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• ¼ cup sliced almonds (toasted for extra crunch)

Whole Spices for Authentic Flavor:

• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 cloves
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper powder

For Garnishing:

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional, but enhances the aroma)

Step-by-Step Recipe – How to Make the Perfect Green Pea Pulao

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

• Wash basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
• Soak it for 15 minutes and then drain.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

• In a dry pan, add sliced almonds and toast them over low heat until golden brown. This enhances their nutty flavor.
• Set aside for later garnishing.

Step 3: Cook the Spices

• Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.
• Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• This step releases the essential oils from the spices, making the pulao incredibly aromatic.

Step 4: Sauté the Rice

• Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan. Stir gently so that each grain is coated with the spiced ghee.
• This light roasting of the rice gives it a deeper flavor and prevents it from breaking while cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Pulao

• Pour in 1 ½ cups of water (or vegetable broth for extra flavor).
• Add salt and black pepper powder, then bring it to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 8 minutes.
• After 8 minutes, add the green peas and stir gently.
• Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.

Step 6: Fluff, Garnish, and Serve

• Turn off the heat and let the pulao sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend.
• Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
• Gently mix in the toasted almonds and garnish with fresh cilantro.
• If using saffron milk, drizzle it on top for an extra royal touch.

How to Serve Green Pea Pulao

This aromatic Green Pea Pulao is delicious on its own but tastes even better when paired with:

🥘 Paneer Butter Masala – A rich, creamy North Indian curry
🥗 Cucumber Raita – A cooling yogurt-based side
🥒 Spicy Mango Pickle – For an extra kick of flavor
🍛 Dal Tadka – A comforting lentil dish that complements the pulao beautifully

For a traditional Indian meal experience, serve this pulao with papad, chutney, and a sweet dessert like gulab jamun or kheer.

Pro Tips for the Best Pulao Every Time

✔ Use Aged Basmati Rice – It gives the best texture and aroma.
✔ Toast the Rice Before Cooking – This prevents stickiness and adds depth of flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Peas – Add them towards the end to keep them fresh and green.
✔ Use Saffron Milk for Extra Flavor – It enhances the richness of the dish.
✔ Let the Rice Rest After Cooking – This ensures separate, fluffy grains.

Final Thoughts – Why This Pulao Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This Green Pea Pulao with Cardamom and Almonds is more than just a rice dish—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and tradition.

✔ It’s light yet filling, making it an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or even festive occasions.
✔ The combination of spices, peas, and almonds makes it rich, aromatic, and comforting.
✔ It’s versatile—serve it as a main course or side dish, and it pairs beautifully with Indian curries.

So why wait? Try this delicious pulao today and let me know how it turned out in the comments below! 😊🍛