Peas Pulao Or Matar Pulao (Simple Steps, Delicious Results)

This easy Peas Pulao is a vegan and gluten-free dish that’s great to enjoy as a light meal or hearty side. Matar Pulao features rice and tasty peas with onions and aromatic spices and can be prepared entirely in a pressure cooker or in a pan on a stovetop. I share three ways to make this delish matar pulao – stovetop pressure cooker method with stepwise photos, while the pan and Instant pot method with detailed instructions.

What is Peas Pulao

Also known as Matar Pulao (matar is the Hindi word for peas), this simple peas pulao is perfect for creating a comforting and healthy veggie side or main dish.

A pulao, known as pilaf, is typically made with rice and loaded with fresh or frozen vegetables. The shining stars in this peas pulao are definitely the green peas.

They are cooked with classic Indian spices and onions that add delicious notes, but without overpowering the earthy pea flavor.

The combination of basmati rice, caramelized onions, and lightly sweet peas create a rustic and hearty dish that you’re sure to love. And not only is peas pulao vegetarian and vegan-friendly, it happens to be gluten-free as well. So you can really feel good about enjoying every savory, scrumptious bite.

While I like to keep my version very simple to let the peas shine through, it is easy to adapt the recipe to your liking. You can add chopped potatoes or carrots, or nearly any other veggies you prefer. Plus, it can be made using your choice of methods, either in a pan on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker.

I learned this traditional peas pulao recipe from my mother-in-law. In the Hindi language, we call it ‘matar wale chawal‘. It is quite popular in Punjabi homes and is great to pair with classic Indian delights like raita, curries, and dals (lentils). Or, serve it by itself for a simple yet totally satisfying lighter meal. Give it a try and I’m sure your family will enjoy it as much as we do!

How to make Peas Pulao

Prep and Sauté Onions

1. First, prepare the basmati rice: Rinse 1 heaping cup of basmati rice under cool water until the water runs clear.

Then soak the rice for 20 to 30 minutes, drain, and set aside. This process is essential for making sure each grain will properly cook to create the fluffiest, most tender rice dish.

2. Next, heat 3 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a 2-litre pressure cooker. Add the following spices:

• 1-inch stick of cinnamon
• 1 medium-sized tej patta
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 2 to 3 full cloves
• 1 black cardamom pod (optional)
• 1 to 2 thin strands of mace (optional)
• 1 or 2 green cardamom pods

On a low to medium-low heat fry the spices for some seconds, until they release their aroma and become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices while frying.

3. Then to the pressure cooker add a ½ cup of thinly sliced red onions.

Tip: Yellow and white onions also work well in this pulao.

4. Mix and sauté until the onions are lightly caramelized or perfectly caramelized. But again, be sure to not burn the onions as this will create a bitter taste in the matar pulao.

Add Green Peas & Rice

5. Now add ¾ cup of fresh or frozen green peas.

6. Mix well and sauté the peas and onions for another minute.

7. Add the drained basmati rice, and stir gently. You don’t want to break the rice grains.

8. Sauté and stir for a minute so that each grain of rice is coated in the oil (or butter or ghee).

9. Then add 1¾ cups of water to the cooker.

10. Season generously with salt. Mix well and check the taste to make sure that the water is slightly salty.

Pressure Cook Peas Pulao

11. Cover and pressure cook for 2 whistles on medium to high heat, or for 6 to 7 minutes. If you like your rice more on the al dente side then only pressure cook for 1 whistle.

12. Allow the pressure in the cooker to settle on its own for several minutes before you open the lid. Once all the pressure drops naturally in the cooker, then only open the lid.

Use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving warm. Garnish with some coriander (cilantro) sprigs or mint leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy peas pulao on their own as a side or main dish, or serve with nearly any condiments or sides. The peas and rice pair perfectly with creamy and cool yogurt sauces and dips, like Onion Tomato Raita, Cucumber Raita, or Boondi Raita.

Matar pulao also goes well with fresh Curd (Yogurt) as such and this Kadhi Pakora, sliced onion rings, Indian onion-tomato salad (Kachumber), and/or mango or lemon pickle. You can even serve with a side of lemon wedges.

For an even heartier meal, peas pulao can be served with fried or roasted or Masala Papad, a simple Gujarati Kadhi, and yummy pakora.