11 Quick 30-Minute Indian Dinner Recipes for Workdays

5. Vegetable Pulao — One-Pot Spiced Rice with Seasonal Veg

Why it works: Pulao is a forgiving one-pot meal that combines rice and veggies with whole spices and cooks in roughly the same time as steamed rice. Prep: 6–8 minutes to chop vegetables and measure rice. Cook: 18–20 minutes; using quick-cook basmati or pre-soaked rice shortens time. Toast whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaf briefly for fragrance, sauté onions and vegetables, then add rice and stock and cover to simmer. Frozen peas and mixed vegetables are perfect weeknight shortcuts. Serving ideas: pair with a quick raita (yogurt with cucumber and cumin) or a store-bought pickle for a burst of flavor. Tip: Rinse rice until the water runs clear to avoid stickiness and get fluffy grains. Cultural note: pulao is a common celebratory and everyday dish across regions—this pared-back version brings comfort without long prep.