Add Preferred SourceCabbage pulao (or cabbage rice) is a one-pot dish that combines the wholesome goodness of cabbage with the satisfying comfort of rice. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this Instant Pot cabbage pulao is ready in less than 30 minutes, with less than 10 minutes of hands-on time.
South Indian cabbage rice or cabbage pulao is a healthy one-pot dish made with minimal spices. When made in an
Cabbage pulao is great for meal prep and can be made ahead, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, picnics, and potlucks. This nutritious and delicious cabbage pulao is a great way to include healthy cabbage in your diet.
Why you will love this recipe?
- Minimal spices: This recipe uses minimal spices, allowing the natural flavors of the cabbage to shine through. It makes the dish simple yet flavorful.
- Gluten-free and vegan: Cabbage rice is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Quick and easy: With the use of an
Instant Pot , this recipe can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Cabbage: Finely shredded green cabbage must be used.
Rice: I use Basmati rice; however, any Indian variety medium grain rice (like sona masoori rice) can be used. Brown rice also works well with this dish. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary if the rice is changed.
See the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Add cashews and fry until they are golden. Add ginger, chili, and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds (image 1).
Step 2: Add shredded or finely chopped cabbage, peas, turmeric powder, and salt. Saute for 2-3 minutes (images 2 and 3).
Step 3: Drain the water from the soaked rice and add it to the pot (image 4).
Step 4: Add 2½ cups of water and give it a good mix. Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes (images 5 and 6).
Step 5: Do a quick release of the pressure and open the lid once the pin drops. Add lemon juice, cilantro, and coconut (images 7 and 8).
Step 6: Mix the cooked rice gently (image 9).
Expert Tips
This cabbage pulao is great for meal prep. Wash and soak the rice overnight, cut the cabbage, and store it in the refrigerator. This way, they can be quickly prepared in the morning and packed for lunch boxes.
Select cabbage that is firm and dense. It should feel heavy and should be free from any blemishes or spots. The cabbage leaves must be tightly packed and must be bright and crisp.
Shred the cabbage thinly and evenly. If you chop them, they may not cook evenly and will also impact the texture of the final dish. I like to use a food processor for this as it gives me perfectly sliced cabbage.
Use Basmati rice or any variety of long-grain rice to make this dish. Also, it is important to wash the rice thoroughly and soak the rice for 20-30 minutes.
You can make this dish in a stovetop pressure cooker. Follow this recipe with a 1 to 1.5 rice-to-water ratio and cook for two whistles in the stovetop pressure cooker. To make this dish in a stovetop pan, follow this recipe with a 1 to 1.5 rice-to-water ratio and cook covered for 15-18 minutes (or until all the moisture is absorbed).
What to serve with cabbage rice?
Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that complements the flavors of this dish. You can make cucumber raita, tomato-onion raita, or any other variety.
Dal: Serve cabbage pulao with a side of dal fry or any other dal of your choice.
Kadhi: Kadhi is a yogurt-based curry often paired with rice. Its tangy and mildly spiced flavors go well with this dish.
Potato dishes: This dish pairs well with Bombay potato curry or potato salad.
How to store cabbage rice?
Cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. In the fridge, cabbage pulao stays fresh for up to 5 days and in the freezer for 2-3 months. When reheating, use a microwave or stovetop with a bit of water or oil to retain moisture.
More South Indian rice recipes:
If you tried this Cabbage Pulao / South Indian Cabbage Rice Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ? star rating and let me know how it went in the ? comments below.
Recipe card
Cabbage Pulao / South Indian Cabbage Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 cups cabbage shredded (½ head of cabbage)
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon hing
- ¼ cup cashew
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- ½ inch ginger minced or 1 tablespoon of ginger paste
- 1-2 green chilies finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ cup peas
- ½ lemon or lime
- 2 tablespoon coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoon cilantro
- 2½ cups water
Instructions
- Wash the rice thoroughly. Soak it in water for 20-30 minutes.
- Set the Instant Pot in saute mode (normal) and add oil.
- Once it heats, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and hing.
- Add cashew and fry until they are golden.
- Add curry leaves, ginger, and green chili. Saute for a few seconds.
- Add cabbage, peas, turmeric powder, and salt. Saute for two minutes.
- Drain the water from the soaked rice.
- Add rice and 2½ cups of water. Give it a good mix.
- Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 6 minutes. Do a quick release of the pressure.
- Add lemon juice, cilantro, and coconut. Mix the rice gently.
- Serve with plain yogurt or raita.
Jeannie says
I like the addition of cabbage in the basmati rice and turmeric gives an extra spice.
Tavo says
Loved this cabbage rice and all the fantastic Indian spices! Thanks for the recipe!
Sam says
I love all these ingredients!! This is such a delicious recipe too. Thank you! Will be making it again.
Emily says
This one-pot dish was so tasty and easy to make! I love how a healthy meal can be made in minimal time!
nancy says
lovely and flavourful rice dish
Katie says
I've been looking for more Indian rice recipes lately, and I am so happy I found this one! Full of flavor and super easy. 10/10 will make again!
Elvi says
The instructions say green chili, but it's not listed in the ingredient list. Also, same for hing.
Shilpa says
Hi Elvi, Thank you for pointing it out. I have now updated the ingredient list with measurements.
Hope you enjoy this dish soon.
- Shilpa