Spicy Curry Fried Rice

Spicy Curry Fried Rice Recipe from India - Ingredients and Directions

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Curry Fried Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the bold flavors of curry powder, chili powder, and soy sauce with the comfort of fried rice. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals and is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables.

History

Fried rice is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, with each region putting its own spin on the classic recipe. The addition of curry powder and chili powder to fried rice is a fusion of flavors that adds a unique and spicy twist to the traditional dish.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (allow them to cool in the fridge for some time since it is much easier to fry cold unclumpy rice)
1 cup chopped veggies of choice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 eggs
1 tsp curry powder
0.5 tsp red chili powder
0.5 tsp fresh ground black pepper
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 cube chicken bouillon
salt, to taste
1 tbsp cooking oil
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander leaves

How to prepare

In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Scramble the eggs in a pan and set them aside.
In the same pan, add sesame oil to the remaining oil and fry the onions until transparent. Add the vegetables and cook for a minute or two. Then, add salt, pepper, curry powder, chili powder, and bouillon cube. Cook until the spices are nicely integrated.
Add the scrambled eggs and rice to the pan, and stir until the rice is well mixed with the eggs and veggies. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes, then add soy sauce.
Sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves and freshly ground pepper for added heat.

Variations

Add diced chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or broccoli.
Substitute curry powder with garam masala for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use day-old rice for this recipe, as freshly cooked rice can become mushy when stir-fried.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and protein options, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

- Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice preference.

- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken bouillon cube and use vegetable broth instead.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Curry Fried Rice hot with a side of sliced cucumbers and a dollop of yogurt for a cooling contrast to the spicy flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the rice on high heat helps to achieve a nice char and prevents the rice from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of oil in place of sesame oil.

- Substitute light soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Cook the rice and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save time when preparing the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra chopped coriander leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spicy Curry Fried Rice with a refreshing cucumber salad and a side of kimchi for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the fried rice in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 8g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 10%

- Vitamin C: 15%

- Calcium: 4%

- Iron: 8%

Alergens

Contains eggs and soy

Summary

Spicy Curry Fried Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, making it a nutritious and flavorful dish.

Summary

Spicy Curry Fried Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With its bold flavors and customizable ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Spicy Curry Fried Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary in her bustling kitchen. Mary was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the tantalizing aroma of spices wafting through the air.

Mary greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a glass of iced tea before gesturing to the pot on the stove. "I'm making Spicy Curry Fried Rice today," she announced proudly. "It's a recipe I learned from my old friend in India, and it's absolutely delicious."

I watched as Mary expertly chopped vegetables and measured out spices, her hands moving with a fluid grace that only comes from years of practice. She poured fragrant curry powder into the sizzling pan, and the scent instantly filled the room, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As the rice cooked and absorbed all the flavors, Mary told me the story of how she had learned to make this dish. It was many years ago, during a trip to India to visit her friend's family. She had spent hours in the kitchen, watching and learning from the women as they cooked traditional meals over open fires.

One day, Mary's friend's mother had taken her under her wing and taught her the secret to making the perfect Spicy Curry Fried Rice. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own.

I listened intently as Mary shared the details of the recipe with me, explaining how each ingredient played a crucial role in creating the complex flavors that made this dish so special. From the fiery heat of the chilies to the earthy richness of the cumin, every element had been carefully chosen to balance and enhance the overall taste.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting, Mary dished out steaming bowls of Spicy Curry Fried Rice onto plates. The vibrant colors of the vegetables mingled with the golden grains of rice, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with a symphony of flavors. The heat of the curry powder danced on my tongue, while the sweetness of the vegetables provided a perfect counterbalance. It was a dish unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

As Mary and I savored our meal, she generously shared the recipe with me, walking me through each step and offering tips and tricks to ensure that my Spicy Curry Fried Rice turned out just as delicious as hers. I scribbled down notes furiously, determined to recreate this culinary masterpiece in my own kitchen.

Since that day, Spicy Curry Fried Rice has become a staple in my recipe repertoire. I have adapted it and made it my own, experimenting with different vegetables and spice blends to suit my taste. But no matter how many variations I try, the memory of that first taste of Mary's Spicy Curry Fried Rice will always hold a special place in my heart.

It's a dish that reminds me of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories and connections. And every time I make it, I am transported back to that sunny kitchen with Mary, where the scent of spices lingered in the air and the flavors of India danced on my tongue.