Kashmiri Pulao – A Royal Indian Delicacy

Kashmiri cuisine is a treasure trove of rich flavors, aromatic spices, and royal culinary traditions. One such gem from this cuisine is Kashmiri Pulao, a dish that stands apart from regular pulaos due to its distinct sweet and savory taste, the use of fragrant saffron, and a generous addition of dry fruits. Unlike the spicy biryanis of India, this pulao is mildly spiced yet deeply flavorful, making it a perfect choice for special occasions.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything about Kashmiri Pulao, including its history, ingredients, preparation method, variations, and serving suggestions.

Ingredients Required for Kashmiri Pulao

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare an authentic Kashmiri Pulao:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice (preferably long-grain)
• 2 cups water
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 green cardamoms
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon salt (or as per taste)

For the Flavors and Sweetness:

• 1 cup mixed dry fruits (cashews, almonds, raisins, walnuts, pistachios)
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (fresh or dried)
• ½ cup apple, chopped (optional)
• ½ cup pineapple pieces (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjustable)
• ¼ cup warm milk
• ¼ teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder

For Garnishing:

• 2 tablespoons fried onions
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves
• Few saffron strands

Step-by-Step Method to Prepare Kashmiri Pulao

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the Basmati rice 2-3 times under running water and soak it for 30 minutes. This ensures long, fluffy grains.
2. In a deep pan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a few saffron strands.
3. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook until it is 90% done.
4. Drain the excess water and set the rice aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Spices

1. Heat ghee in a thick-bottomed pan.
2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamoms. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Sprinkle cardamom powder and mix well.

Step 3: Cook the Dry Fruits and Fruits

1. Add cashews, almonds, walnuts, and raisins to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
2. Now, add pomegranate seeds, apple pieces, and pineapple. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Sprinkle sugar to enhance the sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Pulao

1. Gently add the partially cooked rice to the pan with the sautéed mixture.
2. Drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the rice.
3. Cover the lid and let it cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. Turn off the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Top the pulao with fried onions, fresh coriander leaves, and extra saffron strands.
2. Serve hot with raita or a mild curry.

Variations of Kashmiri Pulao

While the traditional Kashmiri Pulao is mildly sweet and rich, there are variations you can try:

1. Spicy Kashmiri Pulao

If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili powder and black pepper while sautéing the spices. You can also include green chilies for extra heat.

2. Vegan Kashmiri Pulao

Replace ghee with coconut oil or any plant-based oil. Skip the milk and saffron or use almond milk as a substitute.

3. Dry Fruit-Only Version

Some versions of Kashmiri Pulao skip fresh fruits and rely entirely on dry fruits like cashews, almonds, and raisins for sweetness.

4. Saffron-Rich Kashmiri Pulao

For an extra royal touch, increase the amount of saffron and cook the rice in saffron-infused water for a richer color and taste.

Serving Suggestions

Kashmiri Pulao pairs well with:

• Raita – A simple cucumber or boondi raita complements the mild sweetness of the pulao.
• Shahi Paneer – The creamy, rich texture of Shahi Paneer balances the pulao’s flavors.
• Dal Makhani – A rich, buttery lentil curry enhances the overall experience.
• Rogan Josh – If you prefer a meat-based pairing, this classic Kashmiri lamb curry is an excellent choice.

Health Benefits of Kashmiri Pulao

• Rich in Antioxidants – Saffron, nuts, and fruits provide a good dose of antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
• Good for Digestion – Cardamom and cinnamon aid digestion and prevent bloating.
• Energy Booster – Nuts and dry fruits offer instant energy, making this a great meal option during festive occasions.

Conclusion

Kashmiri Pulao is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings together royalty, tradition, and a unique balance of flavors. Whether you prepare it for a special gathering or a cozy family meal, this delightful pulao will never fail to impress.

Try this authentic Kashmiri Pulao recipe at home and let the aroma of saffron and the richness of dry fruits transport you to the valleys of Kashmir. Happy Cooking!