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Navratna Pulao

Recipe by Mounika Erukulapati on InstagramAdded 12 November 2026.

20 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. Navratna Pulao is a festive Indian rice dish brimming with colorful vegetables, paneer, and nuts. Aromatic whole spices and saffron‑infused milk give it a rich, fragrant flavor, while crisp fried toppings add delightful texture.

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Method

  1. Deep-fry the paneer, dry fruits, and vegetables separately. Set aside.

  2. Heat ghee in a pot. Add the whole spices and sauté until fragrant.

  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry well.

  4. Add the soaked, drained rice and fry for a few minutes.

  5. Add water, salt, and garam masala. Mix gently.

  6. Add the fried vegetables and green peas. Cover and cook until the rice is about 80% done.

  7. Pour the saffron milk over the rice.

  8. Top with fried paneer, dry fruits, fried onions, and coriander leaves.

  9. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is completely done.

Tips while you cook

Fry toppings separately
Deep‑fry the paneer, dry fruits, and vegetables first, then set them aside before cooking the rice.
Partial rice cooking before adding vegetables
Cover and cook the rice with water and spices until it is about 80% done, then add the fried vegetables and peas.
Add saffron milk before final steam
Pour the saffron milk over the partially cooked rice, then cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fully done.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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Mounika Erukulapati made this.

The recipe comes from Mounika Erukulapati’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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