Explore South Indian cuisine with these five quick one-pot rice recipes, from traditional Biryani to comforting Lemon Rice. Let’s embark on a spice-filled culinary journey together!
1. Vegetable Biryani

Experience the delightful combination of fragrant basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices in this Vegetable Biryani. A classic South Indian dish, this one-pot wonder is both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Basmati rice
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
- Onion, sliced
- Tomato, chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Biryani masala
- Ghee
- Cashews
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Mint leaves
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté sliced onions until golden in ghee.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes; cook until soft.
- Mix in biryani masala and sauté.
- Add mixed vegetables, rice, and water.
- Cook until the rice is tender and garnish with cashews, coriander, and mint leaves.
Continue reading for more one-pot rice recipes inspiration!
2. Lemon Rice

Bring a burst of citrusy freshness to your table with Lemon Rice. This quick and easy dish is a staple in South Indian households, offering a zesty twist to plain rice.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- Chana dal
- Peanuts
- Curry leaves
- Green chilies, chopped
- Turmeric powder
- Lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In hot oil, temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal.
- Add peanuts, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies.
- Mix in turmeric powder and sauté.
- Add cooked rice, lemon juice, and salt; stir until well combined.
3. Tomato Rice (Thakkali Sadam)

Indulge in the tangy goodness of Tomato Rice, known as Thakkali Sadam in South India. This flavorful dish is a delightful blend of ripe tomatoes, aromatic spices, and perfectly cooked rice.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Ripe tomatoes, chopped
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- Chana dal
- Curry leaves
- Green chilies, chopped
- Ginger, grated
- Turmeric powder
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In hot oil, temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal.
- Add chopped tomatoes, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies.
- Stir in turmeric powder and a pinch of asafoetida.
- Cook until tomatoes are soft, then add cooked rice and salt.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
4. Coconut Milk Pulao

Transport your taste buds to the coastal regions of South India with Coconut Milk Pulao. This rich and creamy one-pot dish combines fragrant rice with coconut milk, creating a symphony of flavours.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Ripe tomatoes, chopped
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- Chana dal
- Curry leaves
- Green chilies, chopped
- Ginger, grated
- Turmeric powder
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Coriander leaves for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In hot oil, temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal.
- Add chopped tomatoes, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies.
- Stir in turmeric powder and a pinch of asafoetida.
- Cook until tomatoes are soft, then add cooked rice and salt.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
5. Tamarind Rice (Puliyodarai)

Enjoy the unique and tangy flavor of Tamarind Rice, or Puliyodarai, a South Indian favorite. This quick and easy one-pot meal combines the sourness of tamarind with a medley of spices, creating a delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- Cooked rice
- Tamarind pulp
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- Chana dal
- Peanuts
- Curry leaves
- Red chili powder
- Turmeric powder
- Asafoetida (hing)
- Jaggery
- Gingelly oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In hot oil, temper mustard seeds, urad dal, and chana dal.
- Add peanuts, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida.
- Mix in tamarind pulp, red chili powder, and turmeric powder.
- Add jaggery and salt; cook until the mixture thickens.
- Combine with cooked rice, drizzle with gingelly oil, and mix well.



