Carrot Peas Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Pressure Cooker Pilau

Last Updated on 5 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Peas Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Pressure Cooker Pilau

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a comforting plate of fragrant, flavorful rice is always a good idea. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for Carrot Peas Rice – a classic Indian pilau that’s surprisingly easy to make, especially in the pressure cooker. I first made this when I was trying to impress my in-laws, and it’s been a family favorite ever since! It’s the perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carrot Peas Rice isn’t just delicious; it’s practical too! It’s a one-pot meal that comes together relatively quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies. The combination of sweet carrots and tender peas with the fluffy basmati rice is simply irresistible. Trust me, you’ll be making this again and again!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful pilau:

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 2 cloves
• 2 cardamoms
• 1 medium cinnamon stick
• ½ – 1 teaspoon shahi jeera (black cumin seeds)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 medium onions
• 4-5 slit green chillies (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 cup julienne carrots
• 1-2 tablespoons green peas
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• ½ – 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
• 5.5 cups water
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped
• 4 mint leaves
• 3 cups basmati rice

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things can really elevate this dish:

• Basmati Rice Quality: Seriously, it matters! Look for aged basmati rice. It’s longer-grained and less likely to get sticky. I usually rinse my rice really well until the water runs clear – this helps remove excess starch.
• Shahi Jeera’s Unique Flavor: Shahi jeera, or black cumin, has a smokier, earthier flavor than regular cumin. It adds a lovely depth to the pilau. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with regular cumin, but it won’t be quite the same.
• Regional Variations in Spice Blends: Every family has their own little twist! Some people add a pinch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) for extra aroma. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse and soak the basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes. This helps the grains cook up fluffy and separate. Drain it well when you’re ready to use it.
2. Heat the oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon stick, shahi jeera, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when you can really smell those spices!
3. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Patience is key here – nicely browned onions are the foundation of flavor.
4. Now, mix in the slit green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Cook for another minute or two, until the raw aroma disappears.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. Then, stir in the julienned carrots and green peas.
6. Whisk the yogurt until smooth and add it to the cooker. Follow with the red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and black pepper powder. Cook until the oil starts to separate from the mixture – this is a sign that the spices are well cooked.
7. Pour in the water, add the coriander and mint leaves, and finally, the soaked rice. Give everything a good mix to make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
8. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 1 whistle. Then, let the pressure release naturally. Don’t rush this part!
9. Once the pressure has released, gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcook the rice! Overcooked rice will be mushy.
• Adjust the amount of green chilies to your liking.
• Using good quality spices makes a huge difference.
• If you’re using a different pressure cooker, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative. Coconut yogurt works beautifully!
• Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Spicy: Reduce or omit the red chili powder for a milder flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Festival Adaptations – Holi/Baisakhi: My aunt always adds a handful of cashew nuts and raisins to this pilau for festive occasions like Holi or Baisakhi. It adds a lovely sweetness and crunch.
• Pressure Cooker vs. Pot Cooking: If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can make this in a heavy-bottomed pot. It will take longer (about 45-50 minutes), and you’ll need to use a little more water.

Serving Suggestions

This Carrot Peas Rice is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with a side of raita (yogurt dip) and a simple vegetable curry. It also pairs well with papadums and a dollop of ghee.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What type of rice is best for this pilau? Basmati rice is the way to go! Its long grains and delicate flavor are perfect for pilau.
• Can I use frozen peas and carrots? Yes, absolutely! Just add them along with the tomatoes.
• How do I adjust the spice level? Easily! Reduce or increase the amount of red chili powder.
• What is Shahi Jeera and can I substitute it? Shahi jeera is black cumin. You can substitute with regular cumin, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• How can I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pressure cooker? Make sure you’re using enough water and that the heat isn’t too high. A good quality pressure cooker also helps!

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Carrot Peas Rice! I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!