Carrot rice is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of carrots with the comfort of rice.
It’s not only visually appealing with its vibrant orange color but also packs a punch in terms of flavor and health benefits.
This recipe is not just easy to prepare but also a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a side dish for a special occasion, carrot rice is a versatile and tasty choice.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings
And here are the approximate nutrition facts for one serving of this carrot rice recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 medium-sized carrots, finely grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the rinsed rice.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.
Add the chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
Add the Grated Carrots:
Stir in the grated carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
Season and Spice:
Add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt to the carrot mixture. Stir well to coat the carrots evenly with the spices. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Combine with Rice:
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the carrot mixture. Gently fold the rice into the carrots until they are well combined.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the carrot rice with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
Tips
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Serve carrot rice with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) or a simple salad to make it a complete meal.
For added protein, you can toss in some cooked and shredded chicken or tofu.
Carrot rice is a delightful and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavors. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a delicious meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian or looking to add a side dish to your next family dinner, this carrot rice recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and savor the delightful combination of rice and carrots in every bite!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 230
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 3.2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 480mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 4g
10 Simple Carrot Rice Recipes
Carrot rice recipes offer a delightful twist to traditional rice dishes. These 10 simple recipes combine the earthy sweetness of carrots with aromatic spices for a wholesome and flavorful meal. Try them today for a tasty and nutritious culinary experience.
1.Carrot and Peas Pulao
Enhance your carrot rice by adding peas for sweetness and color. Simply cook your rice with grated carrots and peas, seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala. This vibrant pulao makes for a wholesome meal or side dish.
2. Carrot Rice Salad
Transform your carrot rice into a refreshing salad by adding diced cucumbers, bell peppers, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette. It’s a perfect choice for a light and healthy lunch.
3. Carrot Rice Stir-Fry
Turn your leftover carrot rice into a quick stir-fry by tossing it in a hot wok with some soy sauce, diced tofu, and mixed vegetables. This savory dish is great for busy weeknights.
4. Carrot Rice Soup
Blend cooked carrot rice with vegetable broth and seasonings to create a creamy carrot rice soup. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs, for a comforting meal.
5. Carrot Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with carrot rice mixed with spices, black beans, and cheese. Bake until tender for a flavorful and nutritious entrée.
6. Spicy Carrot Rice
Add some kick to your carrot rice by stirring in minced green chilies and a dash of hot sauce. It’s a spicy twist that’s sure to excite your taste buds.
7. Carrot Rice with Cashews
Toast some cashews and mix them into your carrot rice for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of texture in their rice dishes.
8. Carrot Rice with Shrimp
Sauté shrimp with garlic and ginger, then combine them with your carrot rice for a protein-packed meal. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra zest.
9. Creamy Carrot Rice Risotto
Replace Arborio rice with carrot rice in a classic risotto recipe. Cook it slowly with vegetable broth and finish with a drizzle of cream for a creamy, comforting dish.
10. Carrot Rice Patties
Shape carrot rice into patties, coat them with breadcrumbs, and pan-fry until golden brown. These carrot rice patties make for a fantastic vegetarian burger alternative.
Elevate your dining experience with these delightful carrot-infused rice dishes. From quick weeknight meals to special occasions, these recipes offer a tasty twist on traditional rice dishes.
