Basanti Pulao – Bengali Sweet Yellow Pulao | Holud Mishti Pulao

Basanti Pulao or Mishti Pulao is a typical Bengali dish and a staple item on special occasions. Basanti means yellow and the dish derives its name from the amazingly yellow coloured rice. The dish brings to fore the vibrant colours of spring.

Flavourful and fragrant Bengali sweet rice goes well with a gravy side dish. In Bengal, Mishti Pulao served with spicy mutton curry or chicken kasha make for an irresistible combination.

Holud Pulao or Yellow Pilaf enhanced with sugary undertones is a keeper for sure!

Basanti Pulao Recipe:

Bored of making plain rice every day? Try some something different – Sweet Pulao makes a nice bright change from having plain rice. Delicious Basanti Pulao – lightly spiced with sweet undertones from sugar and raisins – is a pretty good Bengali style rice recipe. The fragrant yellow, sweet-tasting Bengali rice dish works well with a creamy white curry like Chicken Rezala.

• To make Mishti Pulao or Holud Pulao, firstly, soak 1 cup of Gobindo bhog or basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Then, drain and keep aside.

• Now, heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pressure cooker. Then, toss in bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. Once they start to sizzle, add the cashewnuts and raisins. Sauté till they get some colour on them.

• Next, add the ginger paste and fry till the raw smell disappears. Tip in the green peas and mix well.

• Then, add the rice and sauté for a minute in the ghee.

• Add a pinch of turmeric, salt and sugar. Combine well.

• Now, pour in 2 cups of water and 1-2 drops of lemon juice. Give everything a good stir and put the lid on.

• Pressure cook the rice till nicely cooked. Then, remove from heat and let it rest for an additional 10 minutes.

• Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

• Serve delicious Bengali Basanti Pulao with Dhokar Dalna or Alu Dum.

If you are looking for more rice recipes, then do try out Rice with Tomatoes and Jeera Rice.

Bengali Mishti Pulao Recipe details below: