Mix and match vegetables as you like. I did not have beans this time, if adding them add with other vegetables
Add a pinch of hing/asafoetida and some curry leaves for a more South Indian taste
Add a bay leaf/tej patta along with other spices for more fragrance
Add desiccated coconut if fresh coconut is not available
Soaking basmati rice for 15-20 minutes is an important step. Do not skip it
Pulao can be cooked as a one pot meal in a pressure cooker. Just mix in the soaked and drained rice directly with masala and vegetables and then pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. Use ¼ Cup less water. Here I have cooked it in a pan after making rice separately and then mixing with almost cooked vegetables and cooked for a while more
To make the pulao for a special occasion add some golden fried cashews and raisins. Add toasted bread croutons if you like