Try This Flavorful Indian Potato Rice Dish Spicy Aloo Pulao Recipe

Spicy Aloo Pulao is a classic Indian rice dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with tender potatoes and a medley of warming spices. This one-pot recipe is quick to prepare, bursting with flavor, and makes a perfect accompaniment to curries or a satisfying vegetarian main when served with raita or yogurt.A pulao is a dish consisting of rice and a mixture of either lentils or vegetables, mainly including peas, potatoes, french beans, carrots or meat, mainly chicken, fish, lamb, pork or prawn. It is usually served on special occasions like holidays, birthdays, Christmas and weddings among others.

You can even eat it for a regular lunch or dinner meal with the family. It is considered very high in food energy and fat. A pulao is often complemented with either spiced yogurt or this delicious pineapple raita, onion raita or even cucumber mint raita. Some different types of pulao include Kashmiri pulao from Jammu and Kashmir, India, Bengali pulao from West Bengal, India, and Vegetarian pulao from Karnataka, India.

INGREDIENTS

1 Cup Rice

2 Potatoes

1 Onion

2 Garlic Cloves

1 Green Chili

1 Teaspoon Garam Marsala

½ Teaspoon Red Chili

1 Teaspoon Turmeric

Pinch Salt

3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil

1 Bay Leaf

3 Whole Cardamoms

1 Cinnamon Stick

1 Star Anise

1 Bunch Cilantro

METHOD

Wash, peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Cook rice until al dente, set aside

Add dry spices into pan with oil and sauté until they sputter. Add onions, garlic, and salt and cook until garlic browned

Add potatoes and cook until soft. Add turmeric, red chili powder and Garam Marsala, sauté until mixed. Cook until potatoes are cooked through

Add cooked rice, mix into the potato mixture until every ingredient is well combined. Garnish with cilantro

Serve aloo pulao with raita, curry or stew

ALOO PULAO

Recipe by Mulunga Alukwe

Prep time: 15 Minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients

• 1 Cup Rice
• 2 Potatoes
• 1 Onion
• 2 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Green Chili
• 1 Teaspoon Garam Marsala
• 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chili Powder
• 1 Teaspoon Turmeric
• Pinch Salt
• 3 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 3 Whole Cardamom
• 1 Star Anise
• 1 Bunch Cilantro

Cooking Directions

1. Wash, peel and cut potatoes into cubes. Cook rice until al dente, set aside
2. Add dry spices into pan with oil and sauté until they sputter. Add onions, garlic, and salt and cook until garlic browned
3. Add potatoes and cook until soft. Add turmeric, red chili powder and Garam Marsala, sauté until mixed. Cook until potatoes are cooked through
4. Add cooked rice, mix into the potato mixture until every ingredient is well combined. Garnish with cilantro
5. Serve

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Indian Spicy Aloo Pulao

Aloo Pulao is a simple yet flavorful Indian rice dish made with rice, potatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and pairs well with yogurt, pickle, or salad.

FAQs

Can I make this in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté as usual, then pressure cook for 1 whistle or cook in an Instant Pot on manual for 6 minutes with natural release.

Can I use leftover rice?
For a fried rice-style version, yes. Cook potatoes and spices, then stir in cooled leftover rice.

Is it spicy?
It’s moderately spicy. Adjust chili to your preference.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Green peas, carrots, and bell peppers work beautifully with potatoes.

Can it be meal-prepped?
Definitely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats easily.

Printable Nutrition Card (per serving, approx. 1 cup)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	~270 kcal	Based on use of oil and white basmati rice.
Carbohydrates	~44 g	From rice and potatoes.
Protein	~4 g	Can be boosted with peas or legumes.
Fat	~7 g	Primarily from oil or ghee.
Fiber	~3 g	Potatoes and onions add bulk.
Sodium	~220 mg	May vary depending on added salt.
Iron	~6% DV	From whole spices and potatoes.
Vitamin C	~15% DV	Especially with added tomatoes or lemon.

Notes

• Opt for brown rice for added fiber.

• Add protein-rich veggies or chickpeas for a complete meal.

• Reduce oil for a lighter version.

Dietary Information Table

Diet Type	Status	Notes
Vegan	✅ Yes	Ensure ghee is replaced with vegetable oil.
Vegetarian	✅ Yes	Naturally vegetarian.
Gluten-Free	✅ Yes	Rice-based and gluten-free, but check packaged spices.
Nut-Free	✅ Yes	No nuts unless added optionally.
Dairy-Free	✅ Yes	Use oil instead of ghee.
Soy-Free	✅ Yes	Contains no soy.
Low FODMAP	❌ No	Onions and garlic are high-FODMAP.

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.