Green Peas Pulao recipe is an aromatic Indian rice with peas dish. Try this deliciously spicy rice dish called matar pulao today! Make this vegan rice recipe under 30 minutes and serve as a great side.
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A Childhood Favorite
As kids, we would visit restaurants only with parents and that too only on special occasions. My younger brother and I began to like this one particular restaurant because of the food they served.
They had Green Peas Pulav on the menu and both of us would usually end up ordering just that.
The green peas recipe they served was mildly flavored and the rice was intentionally kept white.
In today's recipe, however, I decided to change things around a little bit and give it my own flavor. Read on!
This easy one-pot spicy rice recipe will help make your days less stressful so that you can enjoy more quality time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
This Indian rice with peas is so flavorful and delicious that you'll absolutely fall in love with it.
Recipe Video
Why this peas pulao recipe works
- It's a gluten-free & vegan rice recipe
- It's easy and quick to make - takes less than 30 minutes
- It's a one-pot meal
- It's irresistibly tasty
- Made with frozen peas
- Can be made with leftover rice
- A spicy rice dish
What is Matar Rice?
Matar is an Indian term for green peas. So Matar Rice or Pulao translates loosely to 'Rice flavored with Peas'. Of course, it's more than just peas and rice cooked together.
There are cilantro, garlic, and other spices involved that make it flavorful and delicious.
If you go to restaurants in India, the menu will usually have a section called 'Rice dishes' that will have a selection of flavored rice dishes.
Matar Rice or Peas Pulao is one such popular rice dish offered in most restaurants and each restaurant has its own way of preparing it.
What is the Difference between Veg Pulao and Veg Biryani
Most people use the terms Pulao and Biryani interchangeably. However, the two are not the same. The cooking methods used are different.
To cook Pulao, the spices and raw rice are both sauteed together and then we add the water and cook the Pulao on a medium to high flame.
The water is absorbed by the rice and the veggies when cooking. Pulao is usually mildly flavored and light on spices.
Biryani on the other hand uses a 'layering' system. The veggies and rice are cooked separately.
The rice is partially cooked, and the water is drained. The vessel (usually cast iron) is first layered with the partially cooked rice, then a layer of the veggies, then a layer of fried onions.
The vessel is sealed and the Biryani is slow-cooked on a low flame. Note the absence of water when cooking a Biryani.
Biryani is usually more heavy on the spices (cardamom, cinnamon sticks, cloves, etc.) and is more aromatic than Pulao.
Soya Chunks Biryani is one of my favorite biryani recipes. It is not your typical biryani recipe but so worth it!
History and Health Benefits
Matar Pulao is made in our house all around the year but traditionally it is a winter recipe.
The reason being, In India, freshly grown green peas are usually harvested sometime in November and available for consumption.
This is the reason why recipes with green peas as the hero ingredient like Vegan Mutter Ka Nimona | Green Peas Curry were mainly prepared during Winter back then.
That of course was the concept before frozen veggies. Today things are different and thanks to frozen peas being easily available anytime and everywhere, we can enjoy green peas all year round.
Here are some health benefits of incorporating green peas in your meals:
- Green peas are high in starch or complex carbs.
- They are low in calories and rich in fiber, protein, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.
- Since fiber and protein-rich foods can keep you full for longer, green peas can be very helpful in curbing mid-meal cravings.
- High fiber content means good for digestion.
If you are looking for a great green peas recipe besides this one, check these out.
- Easy Kovalam Mutter | Vegan Green Peas Curry
- Methi Matar Malai | Fenugreek Green Peas Gravy - A Vegan Version
- Restaurant Style Aloo Mutter Gravy | Potatoes & Green Peas Curry
- Khoya Matar
Here's how to make it
I am using precooked rice to make Matar Pulao. For that, soak Basmati rice
for 30 minutes, strain, add water, and then cook it.
I prefer to cook rice either in my Instant Pot
or Rice Cooker
. However, you can also use a pressure cooker to cook the rice.
If using leftover chilled rice, just warm it in the microwave by spreading it out on a plate and sprinkling it with water.
- Dry roast coconut
, onions along with ginger, garlic, jalapeno, and cashews until slightly charred.
- Take it off the flame and allow it cool. Then grind it into a smooth paste.
- I use this Mixer Grinder for all my Indian cooking.
- Heat oil in a pan and once its hot, temper mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
- Once they begin to crackle (in about 10 seconds), add chopped cilantro and chopped onions.
- Saute till the onions turn translucent.
- Immediately add the ground paste to the pan. Fry this for a minute or two.
- Then add the green peas and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spice mixes like Homemade Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, and Garam Masala.
- Fry this for another minute or till the spices are cooked.
- Finally, add the cooked rice and give it a good toss so that all the masala coats the rice well.
- Garnish this spicy rice with some chopped cilantro and serve.
, onions along with ginger, garlic, jalapeno, and cashews
until slightly charred.
for all my Indian cooking. 
in a pan
and once its hot, temper mustard seeds and cumin seeds
. 
and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes. To make this in an Instant Pot
No need to soak the rice. Follow the rest of the steps as it is. Press the rice button which will automatically cook it for 12 minutes on low pressure.
Or select the manual button and cook it for 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Fluff with a fork.
Serving suggestions:
This one-pot Indian rice with peas recipe can be enjoyed by itself or served with a yogurt dip like Raita or just a bowl of plain yogurt.
You can also serve it with a side of Mirchi Ka Salan. Some like to even serve some poppadoms
or papad along with it.
You can substitute rice with Quinoa
or cauliflower rice if you are looking for a low carb meal.
This Indian rice with peas is the perfect side dish for everyday cooking, easy to pack in lunchboxes, weeknight meals, or as a side at any party.
It can be made ahead, making it easy for the home chef to plan the holiday menu.
Peas Pulao is my go-to dish when I want to cook something warm and comforting for supper or craving to eat spicy rice.
But also something easy with minimal cleanup. Green Peas Pulao is the most convenient, easy dinner recipe for a weekday possible!
This peas pulao recipe is tasty, easy, and is good during any time of year.
Tips to make this Indian rice with peas
If you have cooked white rice leftover from the day before, you can use it to make this Matar Pulao. This dish actually tastes great when made using old, cooked rice.
If you prepare the dish using freshly cooked rice - always soak rice in water for 30 minutes and then cook it. This will guarantee that the rice is fluffy and the grains are long and separated.
Also, premium quality Basmati or any long-grain rice is always preferred when making such rice-based dishes.
Use rice: water ratio of 1:2. 2 cups of water for every cup of rice.
If using chilled leftover rice, then you can warm it in the microwave. Just sprinkle some water on it before heating it. This helps the rice stay moist.
While fresh peas taste the best in any recipe that calls for it, both frozen and canned peas will work fine in this spicy rice dish.
You can skip adding onion and garlic if you don't eat them.
If you have some leftover rice, here are some other great ways to completely transform it.
If you’ve tried this Green Peas Pulao Recipe or any other recipe on the blog please let me know how it went by commenting below, I love hearing from you!
Green Peas Pulao Recipe | How to make Matar Pulao
Equipment
Ingredients
Ingredients to make ground paste
- 1/3 cup coconut shreds, grated, fresh or desiccated
- 1 onion roughly chopped
- 8 cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 inch ginger or 1 tbsp ginger paste
- 1 jalapeno roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp cashews
- 1-2 tbsp water for grinding
Ingredients to make the Green Peas Pulao
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 tbsp oil/butter/ghee
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp cilantro chopped
- 1 cup frozen green peas
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp garam masala
- Salt as required
- 2 tbsp Cilantro for garnish chopped
Instructions
To make ground paste
- Dry roast coconut, onions along with ginger, garlic, jalapeno and cashews till they begin to get slightly charred. Take it off the flame and allow it cool. Then grind it into a smooth paste by adding little water.
To make the Green Peas Pulao
- Soak Basmati rice for 30 minutes, strain and then cook it in water. I prefer to cook rice either in my Instant Pot or Rice Cooker. If using leftover rice, just warm it in the microwave and spread it out on a plate.
- Heat oil in a pan and once its hot, temper mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they begin to crackle (in about 10 seconds), add chopped cilantro and chopped onions. Saute till the onions turn translucent.
- Immediately add the ground paste to the pan. Fry this for a minute or two.
- Then add green peas and continue to cook till for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the spice mixes like Homemade Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder and Garam Masala. Fry this for another minute or till the masala is cooked.
- Finally add the cooked rice and give it a good toss so that all the masala coats the rice well. Garnish with some chopped cilantro and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Fantastic pulao recipe that takes this amazing classics to a whole new level. Love the result - it looks so inviting!
Thank you so much
This is such a tasty dish! I could happily eat bowls and bowls of this on its own. Great recipe.
Thank you so much
What a pretty looking rice!
Thank you so much
Gorgeous doesn't get close. The spice profile is wonderful in this rice.
Thank you so much
What a beautiful vibrant dish. So much flavour too.
Thank you so much
What a flavourful dish! We love rice and little heat in it, so this was perfect! Thank you for sharing!
I love reading about Indian dishes and how they are made and all the spices in the dish. My family loves Indian food but I haven't mastered many dishes yet, so I want to try this since I love rice dishes and peas.
Loved this dish! So easy to make yet flavorful. Definitely adding this to my dinner rotation.
I don't think I've ever had anything quite like this dish, but it looks so delicious so I'm definitely going to try it out!!
Thank you so much.
LOVE that you add coconut to this rice dish. With all those spices I bet this makes your home smell amazing!
Oh yes, it totally does. Thank you.
What a tasty looking side dish! It sounds like it has plenty of flavour and I love that it takes so little time to put together.
Yes..thank you:)
This is such an amazing recipe! My family loved it and I'll definitely make it again!
I am so happy to hear that. Thank you.
I've never made pulao, but after reading your description and the ingredients (THAT PASTE) I'm sold. This would be great with our weeknight chicken!
Yes, its really yummy! Do give it a try. Thank you
WOW! I love this flavored Indian rice recipe. I want to make it, but my family does not like green peas. I hope the recipe still works in this case 🙂
Of course, you can swap peas with edamame or any other beans
Lots of great tips in this recipe, can't wait to make it again! Love pea recipes
Thank you so much.
Looks like such a great side dish! I love your step-by-step pics, you make it looks so easy.
Thank you so much
A delicious Indian side dish. I served it with halloumi and cauliflower curry.
That sounds wonderful!
I honestly find this dish very comforting, looks so delicious and seems easy to make. Thank you for sharing <3
Thank you so much.
Such amazing flavor in this!! I am going to be adding this rice side dish to more nights in the future.
Yay! Glad you like it. Thank you
Quick, easy and yet so flavorful. Love your presentation too.
Thank you so much Veena.
So delicious!!! Definitely becoming a regular favorite!
Happy to hear that
Oh yeah, I can eat this for a meal by itself with nothing else! I love your recipe and all the helpful tips...thanks for sharing!
Glad you found it useful.
I love the pop of colour and flavour from the peas in this rice dish. So good!
Thank you so much
Thank you so much. Glad you liked it
I was looking for an easy way to make green peas a little more exciting, so this recipe is perfect! Thank you for sharing!
Do try it and let me know how you liked it
Such a great side and always loved by my family. Great recipe!
Indeed. Thank you
We are always looking for new ways to enjoy rice and this looks so vibrant and delicious.
Yes, do give it a try. Thank you
What a flavorful and delicious rice dish. Can't wait to make this.
Thank you
This looks like the perfect side dish! I love the combination of flavours here!
Oh yes! Thank you
This sounds like such a flavourful and delicious side! I love that you can make it so quickly.
Thank you so much.
Flavourful aromatic delicious.
Glad you liked it 🙂
I love this green peas pulao. It's great as is, and also delicious when you serve it with Indian dishes like chicken butter or tandoori. 🙂
Oh yes, it can be eaten as is or served as a side! Do give it a try.
What flavor in this recipe! Each bite is really packed with spice!
Thank you.
This is a perfect side dish that I know my family will love.
You had me at one pot and ready in under 30 minutes. Meals like your green pea pulao recipe are my kind of meals during a busy work week.
This looks so flavorful and delicious! I'm excited about the combination of so many different ingredients, like jalapeno, ginger, and coconut.