Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary rice into a vibrant, mouth-watering culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of India! This traditional Indian vegetable fried rice is not just a recipe; it's a quick, nutritious, and incredibly delicious journey that takes less than 45 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe will become your new go-to side dish that impresses family and friends with its aromatic spices and colorful vegetables.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, beans)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Heat ghee or oil in a large skillet or kadai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle and become fragrant for about 30 seconds.
- Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent and light golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce mixed vegetables to the pan and stir well. Cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing vegetables to become slightly tender but retain their crispness.
- Sprinkle turmeric powder and salt over the vegetables, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Add cooked basmati rice to the skillet, gently folding it into the vegetable mixture to prevent breaking the rice grains.
- Continue cooking and stirring the rice and vegetables together for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and absorbs the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or turmeric as per preference.
- Remove from heat and let the rice rest for 2-3 minutes before serving hot as a delightful side dish.
Tips
- Use day-old rice for best results: Slightly dried-out rice prevents clumping and creates a better texture.
- Ensure your vegetables are chopped uniformly for even cooking.
- Use high-quality ghee for an authentic, rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Don't overcook the vegetables - they should remain crisp and vibrant.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garam masala or garnishing with fresh cilantro.
- Use a wide skillet or kadai to give ingredients enough space to cook evenly.
- Stir gently when mixing rice to prevent breaking the delicate basmati grains.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
