Some of my most treasured food memories revolve around rice — a big pot of biryani simmering away for a festive family gathering, or a simple khichdi on a rainy evening that just hits different. Indian cuisine has such a beautiful way of turning this humble grain into something truly magical, and I’ve rounded up 30 of my favorite rice recipes to share with you.
Rice is a staple in many parts of India, especially in the south and east, while roti and paratha are more common in the north. Across India, you will still find rice dishes for everyday meals, festive menus, and comforting one-pot dinners.
In India, “variety rice” can mean many things: quick-seasoned rice like lemon rice, hearty pulao, festive biryani, comforting khichdi, and sweet rice desserts. Some are simple lunchbox meals, while others are made for weekends, guests, or festivals.
Here, you’ll find 30 rice recipes from India. Most don’t have meat and are good for vegetarians or vegans.
Table of Contents
South Indian Rice Recipes
Tomato Rice
Tomato Rice is a quick, one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy days and lunchboxes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s tangy, flavorful, and effortless to make. This family favorite is sure to become a go-to recipe!
Get the Tomato Rice recipe.
Lemon Rice
Lemon rice is a bright and tangy South Indian classic made with cooked rice, lemon juice, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and crunchy peanuts — all ready in minutes. It’s the perfect way to transform leftover rice into a flavorful, satisfying meal!
Get the Lemon Rice recipe.
Ven Pongal
Made from rice and lentils, this satisfying South Indian breakfast recipe, Ven Pongal, is enjoyed with sambar and chutney. Deliciously seasoned with curry leaves, cumin seeds, and black pepper, this vegetarian and gluten-free recipe is a wholesome meal.
Get the Ven Pongal recipe.
Bisi Bele Bath
Bisi Bele Bath is a flavor- and nutrition-rich dish from Karnataka in Southern India. Cooked with lentils, rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices, this authentic one-pot meal is hearty and comforting.
Get the Bisi Bele Bath recipe.
Coconut Rice
This coconut rice is a simple, coconut-milk version that pairs well with curries and other Asian dishes. Traditional South Indian coconut rice, also called thengai sadam, is usually made with fresh coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and lentils in the tempering.
Get the Coconut Rice recipe.
Sweet Pongal
Sweet Pongal, also called Sakkarai or Chakkara Pongal, is a popular traditional sweet dish from South India. Made with rice, moong dal, milk, and jaggery, it is a delicious sweet pudding made during festivals.
Get the Sweet Pongal recipe.
Beetroot Rice
Beetroot Rice or Beet Rice Pulao is a great way to sneak in some beets into your diet. Easy, vegan & gluten-free meal perfect for busy days.
Get the Beet Rice Pilaf recipe.
North Indian Rice Recipes
Peas Pulao
This fragrant and flavorful Peas Pulao (Matar Pulao) is a staple in most Indian homes. Basmati rice is cooked with whole spices and green peas. Pair this peas pulao as a side dish with any curry or dal for an excellent meal!
Get the Peas Pulao recipe.
Jeera / Cumin Rice
Perfectly cooked Basmati Rice flavored with cumin and whole spices. Enjoy this aromatic Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) with any curry or lentil.
Get the Cumin Rice recipe.
Saffron Rice with Nuts & Raisins
A classic Saffron Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Raisins recipe. Made in one pot, it comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s weeknight-friendly and great for guests!
Get the Saffron Rice recipe.
Vegetable Rice Pulao
Veg Pulao is an easy one-pot rice dish mixed with a variety of vegetables and mildly flavored with spices.
Get the Vegetable Pulao recipe.
Spinach Rice
Spinach Rice is a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish in which tender greens are cooked with rice and warming spices for a simple, wholesome meal. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without sacrificing flavor — comforting, easy, and ready in no time!
Get the Spinach Rice recipe.
Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice
Turmeric Yellow Rice is a simple, golden-hued dish made by cooking rice with turmeric, whole spices, and a touch of ghee for warmth and flavor. It’s an easy, fragrant side that pairs beautifully with curries, dals, or just about any main dish!
Get the Turmeric Yellow Rice recipe.
Chana Pulao
Chana Pulao is a hearty one-pot dish packed with tender chickpeas and fragrant spices, ready in just 30 minutes. It’s an easy, satisfying weeknight meal that pairs perfectly with raita or a simple salad!
Get the Chana Pulao recipe.
Chana Dal Pulao
Chana Dal Pulao is a delicious, protein-rich vegetarian dish made with chana dal (split yellow chickpeas) and basmati rice cooked along with the aroma of whole spices. Enjoy with raita and salad.
Get the Chana Dal Pulao recipe.
Wadi Chawal
A flavorful and nutritious Punjabi rice recipe, this Wadi chawal is a delicious, wholesome meal. Made with aromatic whole spices, wadiyan, and basmati rice, this wadi pulao or biryani is an excellent meal for the entire family.
Get the Wadi Chawal recipe.
Black-eyed peas & Spinach Rice
Black-Eyed Peas and Spinach Rice is a hearty, wholesome one-pot meal loaded with plant-based protein and nutrients. This easy vegetarian, gluten-free dish comes together effortlessly in the pressure cooker — perfect for a quick, easy weeknight dinner!
Get the Black-eyed peas & Spinach Rice recipe.
Chicken Pulao
Chicken Pulao is a delicious one-pot meal made with fragrant basmati rice, tender chicken pieces, and aromatic spices. It’s a flavorful, satisfying weeknight meal that can be made in just 30 minutes.
Get the Chicken Pulao recipe.
Keema Rice
Keema pulao, also known as keema rice or keema biryani, is a delightful and aromatic one-pot meal that combines succulent minced meat with fragrant basmati rice. This flavorful gluten-free rice dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner with cooling raita and salad.
Get the Keema Rice recipe.
Mutton Yakhni Pulao
Mutton Yakhni Pulao combines tender mutton with fragrant basmati rice to create a flavorsome and comforting meal. This delightful Mutton Pulao recipe from the Awadh or Lucknow region in India is served during celebrations, including the festival of Eid. With this well-tested and easy-to-follow recipe, you can now make Yakhni Pulao with perfect results!
Get the Mutton Yakhni Pulao recipe.
Biryani
Shrimp Biryani
This shrimp biryani is full of fragrant rice, spiced shrimp, and crispy fried onions. It feels special enough for guests, but the step-by-step recipe makes it simple to recreate at home.
Get the Shrimp Biryani recipe.
Chicken Biryani
Learn how to make the most flavorful restaurant-style chicken biryani with tender marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and crispy fried onions. You can also make one-pot chicken biryani in a pressure cooker.
Get the Chicken Biryani recipe.
Egg Biryani
Egg Biryani is a flavorful and colorful rice dish loaded with fragrant spices and tender, boiled eggs. With this tried-and-tested recipe, learn how to make the most delicious egg biryani.
Get the Egg Biryani recipe.
Mutton Biryani
Mutton Biryani features layers of fragrant basmati rice and succulent, tender mutton or lamb, topped with crispy fried onions and slow-cooked to perfection in traditional dum style.
Get the Mutton Biryani recipe.
Vegetable Biryani
One-pot Vegetable Biryani made in the pressure cooker is so easy to cook with the same authentic flavors! Fragrant basmati rice cooked with vegetables, whole spices, and herbs.
Get the Vegetable Biryani recipe.
Khichdi
Masala Khichdi
Masala Khichdi made with lentils, rice, and vegetables along with simple spices and ghee—the epitome of comfort food all over India.
Get the Masala Khichdi recipe.
Moong Dal Khichdi
Moong Dal Khichdi, or Kitchari, is a simple dish made with rice and lentils, tempered in ghee with cumin seeds and turmeric. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is a perfect comfort meal for weeknights or when someone is under the weather!
Get the Khichdi recipe.
Sweet Rice Recipes
Zarda Sweet Rice
Meethe Chawal or Zarda Rice is a sweet and rich rice preparation loaded with dry fruits, sugar, and ghee. This aromatic, sweet saffron-flavored rice is a royal dessert made on special occasions and festivals.
Get the Zarda Sweet Rice recipe.
Kheer
Rice Kheer, also known as Indian Rice Pudding, is a beloved classic Indian dessert. It’s a rich and creamy pudding made by cooking rice with milk and adding nuts and saffron for flavor. Try this easy recipe for a delicious taste of tradition.
Get the Kheer recipe.
Brown Rice Kheer
An Indian favorite dessert for special occasions – Kheer made with brown rice and milk infused with saffron, cardamom, and assorted dried fruits.
Get the Brown Rice Pudding / Kheer recipe.
would like to have recipes
Hi Behroze, you can click on the rice name before the pick or on the get the recipe link to get to the detailed recipe for each rice dish.