Vegetable Rice

Indian Vegetable Rice Recipe

Region / culture: India | Servings: 2

Introduction

Vegetable rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe combines the aromatic flavors of basmati rice with a medley of mixed vegetables, creating a colorful and flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Vegetable rice has been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. It is a versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and spices to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is a simple and classic version of vegetable rice that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

1 large onion or 2 small onions
1 cup of basmati rice (serves two people)
1 generous pinch of cumin seeds (jeera)
3 tsp of garam masala
1 tbsp of vegetable oil (e.g. sunflower oil)
1 generous handful of frozen mixed vegetables

And yes - I said I was a rice-snob. ONLY basmati rice WILL DO. Do not use any other form of rice such as American long grain, wild rice, brown rice, Uncle Ben's, Uncle Tom's, or any other variety. Use only basmati rice from India, Pakistan, or China. Tilda is a popular brand that you can find in the "world food" aisle at your local supermarket.

The frozen mixed vegetables should be the type that you find already prepared in bags in the supermarket freezer compartments. I recommend the one with small baby carrots, peas, sweetcorn, green beans, and maybe chunks of green and red pepper. It's okay if the bag doesn't contain pepper or green beans. Just make sure you DON'T get the mixed veg where the sweetcorn are the "baby sweetcorn cobs" and DON'T get ones with "broad beans" or "chopped carrot". If it has sweetcorn, make sure it's the juicy sweetcorn kernels. If it has beans, make sure they are green beans (long, thin dark-green stalky things). If it has carrot, make sure they are whole baby carrots. Also, the peas should be peas, not "mange-tout".

How to prepare

Ensure that the rice is thoroughly washed to remove all starch. To do this, pour the rice into a sieve and place the sieve in a bowl. Position the bowl in the sink and let the cold water tap pour water into it. Allow the water to run for a few minutes, taking care not to use a powerful jet as it is wasteful. Then, drain the rice by balancing the sieve on top of the small cup used to measure the rice initially.
Wash the rice inside the sieve placed in the bowl inside the sink.
Drain the rice over the measuring cup.
Coarsely chop the onions.
Heat oil and fry the jeera seeds until they start popping.
Fry the onions until they become translucent.
Add the rice.
Add the water, cover, and simmer.
Prepare a low-flame burner.
Ensure that the flame is set to a really low level.

Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. You can also add tofu or chickpeas for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.

- Use a low flame when simmering the rice to ensure that it cooks evenly and does not burn.

- Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables and spices to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions

Serve vegetable rice as a main dish with a side of raita or yogurt for a complete meal. You can also pair it with grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect vegetable rice is to wash the rice thoroughly and cook it on a low flame to ensure that it cooks evenly and does not burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have basmati rice, you can use jasmine rice or long-grain white rice as a substitute. You can also use fresh vegetables instead of frozen if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable rice ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the vegetable rice with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. You can also serve it in a decorative bowl or plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Vegetable rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. You can also serve it with a side of naan bread or papadums for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover vegetable rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of vegetable rice contains approximately 250 calories. This dish is a satisfying and filling meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of vegetable rice contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 5 grams of fat per serving. The fats in this dish come from the sunflower oil used for cooking the onions and rice. Fats are important for absorbing vitamins and minerals and are an essential part of a balanced diet.

Proteins

Each serving of vegetable rice contains approximately 3 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health and muscle function.

Vitamins and minerals

Vegetable rice is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. These nutrients are important for supporting immune function, vision, and heart health.

Alergens

This recipe does not contain any common allergens such as nuts, dairy, or gluten. However, if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies, be sure to check the ingredients list carefully.

Summary

Vegetable rice is a nutritious and delicious dish that is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins. This recipe is a great option for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.

Summary

Vegetable rice is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe is simple to make and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and spices. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish for lunch or dinner!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Vegetable Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her cozy kitchen. As we chatted over a cup of tea, she suddenly jumped up with excitement and declared that she had the perfect recipe to share with me.

Sarah rummaged through her collection of old cookbooks and pulled out a worn, stained piece of paper. She handed it to me with a smile, telling me that this recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. I eagerly read through the ingredients and instructions, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought of trying something new in my own kitchen.

The recipe called for a colorful array of vegetables - carrots, bell peppers, peas, and corn - all sautéed together with fragrant spices and cooked rice. It sounded like a delicious and healthy dish, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. I thanked Sarah profusely for sharing her family recipe with me and promised to give it a try.

As I left Sarah's house that day, I couldn't wait to get home and start cooking. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen, following the recipe carefully. The aroma of the spices filled the air as the vegetables sizzled in the pan, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as I watched the dish come together.

When I finally sat down to taste the Vegetable Rice, I was blown away by how delicious it was. The flavors of the vegetables and spices melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Vegetable Rice countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added extra vegetables, experimented with different spices, and even tried substituting brown rice for white. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that sunny day in Sarah's kitchen and the joy of discovering a new recipe to add to my collection.

As I continued to cook and bake my way through life, I found myself collecting recipes from all sorts of sources - family members, friends, cookbooks, and even the occasional cooking show on television. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of the person who shared it with me or the occasion when I first tasted it.

But the recipe for Vegetable Rice has always held a special place in my heart. It reminds me of the bond I share with Sarah, of the joy of discovering something new in the kitchen, and of the simple pleasure of cooking for loved ones. I have shared this recipe with my own children and grandchildren, passing it down through the generations just as Sarah's family did.

And so, as I sit here now, with a pot of Vegetable Rice simmering on the stove and the aroma filling the air, I feel a sense of contentment and gratitude. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, a way to express my creativity and love for those around me. And this recipe, with its vibrant colors and flavors, will always hold a special place in my heart as a reminder of the joy of cooking and sharing good food with others.