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Vegetarian Lentil Pulao (Daal Pulao)

April 2, 2025

Vegetarian Lentil Pulao (Daal Pulao)

How to Make Vegetarian Lentil Pulao (Daal Pulao)

Looking for more vegetarian or vegan recipe options? Try this delicious Pakistani staple dish. Red lentils star as the lean protein source and the variety of spices punch up the flavor while staying very low in sodium. Complete this meal with a side of non-starchy vegetables like steamed broccoli or green beans. 


5 min prep time


30 min cook time


4servings


1 cup

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Step-By-Step Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion until golden brown.

  2. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, turmeric, and chili powder. Stir for 1 minute. 

  3. Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until rice and lentils are cooked.  

  4. Garnish with cilantro. 

  5. Garnish with cilantro.

  6. Optional step: We recommend serving with a cucumber raita, which is not included in the nutritional analysis of this recipe. 

Heart Healthy
Mediterranean
Indian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Foodie
Dinner
Lunch
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Nutrition facts

4 Servings



  • Serving Size

    1 cup


  • Amount per serving



    Calories





    300

  • % Daily value*

  • Total Fat
    4.5g

    6%

    • Saturated Fat
      0g

      0%
    • Trans Fats
      0g

  • Cholesterol
    0mg

    0%

  • Sodium
    70mg

    3%

  • Total Carbohydrate
    57g

    21%

    • Dietary Fiber
      5g

      18%
    • Total Sugars
      2g
    • Added Sugars
      0g

      0%

  • Protein
    10g

  • Potassium
    361mg
    8%

Ingredients

brown basmati rice (rinsed)
1 cup

red lentils (rinsed)
1/2 cup

yellow onion (sliced thinly)
1 med

olive oil
1 tsp

cumin seeds
1/2 tsp

bay leaves
1 leaves

cloves
2 clove

turmeric
1/2 tsp

red chili powder
1/4 tsp

low sodium vegetable broth
2 cup

cilantro (chopped)
1/2 cup