If you love the aroma of spiced rice dishes but want to make them healthier, this Sorghum Pulao (Jowar Pulao) is the perfect recipe for you! 🌾✨
A delicious and wholesome version of the traditional pulao, this recipe replaces rice with Sorghum (Jowar) — an ancient grain packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. It’s gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and ideal for anyone looking to add more whole grains to their diet.
Loaded with colorful veggies, subtle spices, and the rustic flavor of jowar, this pulao not only satisfies your hunger but also fuels your day with steady energy. 🌿 It’s light on the stomach, rich in nutrients, and perfect for lunch boxes, family dinners, or festive feasts.
🧂 Ingredients
🌾 Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup Sorghum (Jowar)
- 2 ½ cups Water (for cooking)
- 2 tbsp Oil or Ghee
- 1 Bay Leaf
- 1 small Cinnamon Stick
- 2 Cloves
- 1 Green Cardamom
- 1 Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Tomato, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
- 1 cup Mixed Vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, capsicum)
- 1–2 Green Chilies, slit
- ½ tsp Cumin Seeds
- ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- Salt to taste
🌿 For Garnish:
- Fresh Coriander Leaves, chopped
- A few Toasted Cashews or Peanuts (optional)
🔥 Preparation Steps
🥣 Step 1: Cook the Sorghum
- Wash and soak jowar grains in water for 6–8 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water and pressure cook with 2½ cups of fresh water for about 4–5 whistles, until soft but not mushy.
- Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and set aside.
🌶️ Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base
- Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan or kadhai.
- Add bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin seeds — sauté until aromatic.
- Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft and pulpy.
🥕 Step 3: Add Vegetables & Spices
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Sprinkle in turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the veggies.
🌾 Step 4: Add Cooked Jowar
- Add the cooked jowar grains to the masala and toss gently.
- Mix everything well so that the flavors blend beautifully.
- Cover and cook on low flame for 5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the jowar.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Turn off the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Optionally, add toasted cashews or peanuts for a rich crunch.
- Serve hot with raita, papad, or salad.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🌾 Always soak jowar overnight to ensure soft and fluffy grains after cooking.
🥕 Add vegetables like bell peppers, beans, and peas for color and nutrition.
🧈 A spoonful of ghee enhances aroma and taste.
🌿 You can also add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a zesty kick.
🍱 Perfect for meal prep — stays fresh for up to 2 days when refrigerated.
🌸 Health Benefits of Sorghum Pulao
✅ High in Fiber & Protein: Keeps you full and supports digestive health.
✅ Gluten-Free: A great option for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease.
✅ Rich in Iron & Magnesium: Boosts energy and strengthens bones.
✅ Low Glycemic Index: Ideal for diabetic-friendly meals.
✅ Heart-Healthy: Helps in reducing cholesterol and managing weight.
🌈 Conclusion
Sorghum Pulao (Jowar Pulao) is where taste meets tradition and health in the most satisfying way. 🌾💛 With its wholesome texture, gentle nuttiness, and aromatic spices, it’s a dish that truly celebrates the beauty of millet-based cooking.
So the next time you crave a flavorful pulao, skip the rice and reach for Jowar — your body (and your taste buds) will thank you! 🍛✨