7 Time-Saving One-Pot Indian Rice Dishes To Make

In recent times, people hardly have any time to look after themselves due to their tight schedules. Shortcut meals help alleviate the stress associated with meal preparation without compromising on taste or nutrition. There are several recipes that take up the least amount of preparation time. Such recipes include some one-pot rice recipes which area treasure trove of convenience and flavor in Indian cuisine. These dishes embody the essence of simplicity and versatility, offering a delightful amalgamation of spices, vegetables, meats, and aromatics cooked with rice in a single pot. 

Read Below: Classic Ghee Rice: Flavourful Rice With Aromatic Spices

• Chicken Biryani  

Biryani is typically the amalgamation of rice and chicken that is known for its aromatic flavors and vibrant colors. The recipe features tender chicken marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, layered with fragrant Basmati rice infused with saffron, caramelised onions, and a medley of whole spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. The cooking process involves alternating layers of chicken and rice, allowing the flavours to meld together as the dish simmers to perfection. Garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, and fried onions before serving. 

• Lemon Rice 

Also known as chitranna in Kannada and nimmakaya pulihora in Tamil Nadu, lemon rice may be considered comfort food of many South Indian households. This is one of the easiest recipes to cook even for a newbie. All you need to do is cook the rice and make the tempering. Lemon rice can be paired with sambar, coconut chutney, raita, and pickel. 

• Khichdi  

Running out of time? Make this most nutritious and tasty one-pot rice recipe. This is crafted by simmering rice and lentils together, often with added vegetables and spices. Over the years, people have experimented with different variety of khichdis and some of them are bhuna khichdi, keema khichdi, Garhwal khichdi and others. Each of them have unique taste. Khichdi is often served with a dollop of ghee, yoghurt, or pickle to add richness and tanginess to its earthy taste.  

• Vegetable Pulao

Wondering what to cook that is both nutritious and would save time? Vegetable pulao can be considered the go-to recipe for you. This pulao combines the goodness of vegetables with fragrant basmati rice and a medley of spices. Pulao has a history that is older than biryani. It hailed from the Middle East and the word pulao id derived from the Arabic or Italian word ‘pilaf’ or ‘pallaao.’ Besides, the dish has its root in Sanskrit literature. Mention of such a dish has been found in the Yajnavalakya Smriti. Not only this, a dish like Pulao has also been mentioned in Tamil literature of the sixth century. 

• Mushroom Rice  

This rice combines the earthy flavours of mushrooms with the fragrant aroma of rice and spices. The long-grain rice, usually basmati, is added to the pot along with water, allowing the rice to absorb the savoury essence of the mushrooms as it cooks. To make this rice, you can use cremini, button, or shiitake mushrooms, each offering its unique taste profile. The usage of herbs and aromati spices extend flavour to the dish. The rice can be eaten with grilled chicken or Chinese BBQ pork. 

• Coconut Curry Rice  

This rice can transfer you to the lush landscapes of South Asia. Here the one-pot rice recipe tantalise the taste buds with creamy texture and exotic flavours. The coconut rice is made with the coconut milk which exudes a sweet flavour that excellently blends with the Indian spices. Coconut rice can be paired with Prawn curry, veg kofta curry, dhaba style Chicken and Punjabi kadhi pakora. 

• Spinach Rice  

This one-pot rice dish combines the goodness of fresh spinach with fragrant basmati rice to create a flavourful and wholesome meal. To prepare this dish, spinach leaves are finely chopped or pureed and cooked with aromatic spices such as cumin seeds, garlic, and a pinch of turmeric. The spinach imparts a vibrant green color and earthy flavor to the rice, while the spices add depth and complexity. Spinach rice is a delightful way to incorporate leafy greens in the diet. The dish can be paired with yoghurt, or a side of roasted vegetables.