Sweet Apple Pulao Rice

By: Manjula Jain

Serving : 4 people
Hover over serving size and use the slider that appears to adjust serving size
Prep Time :10 minutes
Cook Time :20 minutes

Rate this recipe:

5 from 1 vote

Sweet Apple Pulao Rice

Apple rice pulao is a delightful blend of flavors. Combining apples, cranberries, raisins, and spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a wonderfully aromatic dish. It has the sweetness and tartness of apples, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal, side, snack, or even as a lunchbox meal. If you follow a vegan diet, omit the butter and use your own choice of oil.

A bowl of Sweet Apple Pulao Rice garnished with apple slices and nuts

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water to cook rice
  • 3 apples peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup raisin
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1/3 cup broken pecans
  • 3 tbsp ghee clarified butter
  • 2 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1-1/2 cup water
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  • Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small pieces.
  • Wash the rice gently, changing the water 2-3 times. For fluffier rice, soak it for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Cooked rice expands to about 4 times its original size.
  • Drain the rice and put it into the saucepan. Add the water and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has evaporated.
  • Use a larger pan to make the apple sauce to allow the rice and apple sauce to mix together.
  • While the rice is cooking, prepare the apples. In another pan, add the apples, raisins, cranberries, ghee, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and water. Pecans and cardamom will be added later.
  • Bring the apples to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let them cook until soft; this should take about 15 minutes.
  • The apple sauce should not be dry; it should be moist and have the consistency of thick gravy. If needed, add a little more water.
  • Add the pecans and cardamom and stir. Add the rice to the apple sauce and fold gently to avoid mashing the rice.
  • Cover the rice again and turn the heat to very low. Let the rice simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Sweet Apple Rice Pulav can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

I am using 1 granny smith apple for tartness and 2 fizzy apples
A bowl of Sweet Apple Pulao Rice garnished with apple slices and nuts

Sweet Apple Pulao Rice

Apple rice pulao is a delightful blend of flavors. Combining apples, cranberries, raisins, and spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a wonderfully aromatic dish. It has the sweetness and tartness of apples, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main meal, side, snack, or even as a lunchbox meal. If you follow a vegan diet, omit the butter and use your own choice of oil.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rice
  • 2 cups water to cook rice
  • 3 apples peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup raisin
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1/3 cup broken pecans
  • 3 tbsp ghee clarified butter
  • 2 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1-1/2 cup water
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small pieces.
  • Wash the rice gently, changing the water 2-3 times. For fluffier rice, soak it for at least 15 minutes before cooking. Cooked rice expands to about 4 times its original size.
  • Drain the rice and put it into the saucepan. Add the water and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has evaporated.
  • Use a larger pan to make the apple sauce to allow the rice and apple sauce to mix together.
  • While the rice is cooking, prepare the apples. In another pan, add the apples, raisins, cranberries, ghee, cinnamon, cloves, sugar, and water. Pecans and cardamom will be added later.
  • Bring the apples to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let them cook until soft; this should take about 15 minutes.
  • The apple sauce should not be dry; it should be moist and have the consistency of thick gravy. If needed, add a little more water.
  • Add the pecans and cardamom and stir. Add the rice to the apple sauce and fold gently to avoid mashing the rice.
  • Cover the rice again and turn the heat to very low. Let the rice simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Sweet Apple Rice Pulav can be served warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Notes

I am using 1 granny smith apple for tartness and 2 fizzy apples
Keyword Apple
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What is Sweet Apple Pulao Rice ?

Sweet Apple Rice Pulao is a versatile and kid-friendly quick & easy dish that makes a perfect addition to any lunch box. This gluten-free and vegan recipe features tender rice cooked with a delightful blend of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and plump raisins, all infused with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. 

It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and store for convenient packing. Enjoy this wholesome Sweet Apple Rice Pulao



How to make Sweet Apple Pulao Rice ?

  • Peel and core the apples, then chop them into small pieces.
  • Wash the rice gently, changing the water 2-3 times. Optionally, soak the rice for at least 15 minutes prior to cooking for fluffier rice.
  • Drain the washed rice and put it into a saucepan. Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has evaporated.
  • In another pan, combine the chopped apples, raisins, cranberries, broken pecans, ghee, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and approximately 1-1/2 cups of water.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it cook until the apples are soft, which should take about 15 minutes. Ensure the sauce has a moist consistency, like thick gravy. Add more water if needed.
  • Once the apples are soft, add the cardamom powder and stir.
  • Gently fold the cooked rice into the apple sauce, ensuring not to mash the rice.
  • Cover the pan again and turn the heat to very low. Let the rice simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Sweet Apple Pulao Rice can be served warm or at room temperature.



Tips for making Sweet Apple Pulao Rice Recipe:

  • Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor profile.
  • Soak the rice for at least 15 minutes before cooking for fluffier results.
  • Adjust the sweetness of the dish according to your taste preference by varying the amount of sugar used.
  • Be cautious not to overcook the apples, as they should be soft but not mushy.
  • Experiment with different nuts such as almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint leaves before serving for a burst of freshness.


Other Variations of Rice that you must check out:

  1. Shahi Pulao (Vegetable Pulao): Shahi Pulao or Vegetable Pulao is an exotic rice dish that combines spicy and aromatic vegetables served over rice. Rich with flavor, this is an extraordinary dish. You may also call this Biryani.
  2. Vegetable Biryani: Vegetable Biryani is a rich and exotic rice dish with spicy vegetables. The saffron aroma makes this dish very inviting. Biryani is a popular Mughlai dish that has been adapted by Indians.
  3. Sweet Saffron Rice: Sweet saffron rice is a delectable, gluten free and aromatic dessert that originates from Indian cuisine. It features fragrant basmati rice cooked with saffron-infused syrup and a blend of spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful dessert or sweet treat. 
  4. Tomato Rice Pulao: Tomato rice or pulao has a South Indian flair as a bit of sambar powder is used in the recipe. Sambar powder is a spice mix used in many South Indian dishes. It has a spicy and tangy flavor.


FAQs about Sweet Apple Pulao Rice:



What is Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

Sweet Apple Pulao Rice is a delicious and versatile dish made with tender rice cooked with sweet apples, cranberries, raisins, and aromatic spices.



How do I make Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

To make Sweet Apple Pulao Rice, peel and chop apples, cook rice, cook apples with spices and dried fruits, then mix with cooked rice and simmer.



What ingredients do I need for Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

You’ll need rice, sweet apples, cranberries, raisins, spices like cinnamon and cloves, ghee or oil, sugar (optional), and water.



Is Sweet Apple Pulao Rice suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Sweet Apple Pulao Rice is suitable for vegetarians.



Can I make Sweet Apple Pulao Rice gluten-free?

Yes, Sweet Apple Pulao Rice can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free.



How long does it take to cook Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to cook Sweet Apple Pulao Rice.



Can I use any type of rice for Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

Yes, you can use any type of rice for Sweet Apple Pulao Rice, though basmati rice is commonly used for its fragrance.



Can I use any type of apple for Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

Yes, you can use any variety of apple for Sweet Apple Pulao Rice, but a mix of tart and sweet apples is recommended for balanced flavor.



How can I adjust the sweetness of Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

You can adjust the sweetness of Sweet Apple Pulao Rice by varying the amount of sugar used according to your taste preference.



Can I add more fruits to Sweet Apple Pulao Rice?

Yes, you can add more fruits such as chopped pears or dried apricots to Sweet Apple Pulao Rice for extra flavor and texture 

Stay tuned for more such dishes on Manjula’s Kitchen exploration into the world of culinary delights!



Rice Recipes

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