Cabbage Pulao, also called cabbage rice, is a quick and healthy one-pot meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with basmati rice, fresh cabbage, and aromatic Indian spices, this pulao is light, flavorful, and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Whether you are looking for a quick weekday meal or a lunchbox-friendly dish, this cabbage pulao recipe will surely become a family favorite.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients for Cabbage Pulao
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 small cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 3-4 cloves
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt as required
Step-by-Step Method to Make Cabbage Pulao
- Rinse the basmati rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pan or pressure cooker over medium flame.
- Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Fry until they release a pleasant aroma.
- Add sliced onions and chopped green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and fry for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until soft and mushy.
- Add chopped cabbage and sauté for 3–4 minutes until it slightly wilts.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Mix gently with the cabbage and spices.
- Pour in 2 cups of water, add salt, and stir well.
- If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for one whistle on medium flame, then simmer for 5–7 minutes. If using a pan, cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fluffy.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with raita, pickle, or papad.
Serving Suggestions
Cabbage pulao pairs wonderfully with plain yogurt, cucumber raita, onion salad, or any Indian curry. It also works as a great tiffin-box recipe for kids and adults alike.
