Carrot Rice
Carrot rice…one of the remarkable Indian delicacies unearthed by the contemporary cooking experts; a bit not compromising on the conventional fronts to boot. And I’m really happy to be back after another looooooong break with one of my first endeavors of a rather appealing dish…. And honestly, though it came out cent percent successful, I still believe there is unquestionably immense scope for perfection (modesty’s my middle name). ;-p But the ultimate euphoria and the resultant contentment upon attaining the final outcome really made me yearn to share this recipe with you all. And so here I am…back with a really alluring one this time, for kids in particular. :) Something to fill their lunch boxes and their tummies as well…. ;-pCarrot rice is truly another one of its kind of the several multiplicities of rice dishes that goes before the table as the main course. And accdg to me, it can be basically defined as mildly spiced rice harmonizing itself with the yummy orang-ish carrots supplemented by dry masala powders; and not to mention the concluding inclusion of quintessential aromatic coriander leaves to polish off the garnishing task.
Apart from being one of the important “saviors” in certain unfortunate emergency circumstances, this whole meal dish is an absolute delight to relish. Also comes in very handy if you wanna use up those pounds of carrots staring at you for ?th day in your refrigerator. Infact, this venture of mine was stimulated as a result of the those staring carrots and especially my staring son; who with an “ominous” look in his eyes has been nagging me for the past couple of weeks for a small helping of his favourite homemade Ghee rice. And the good and caring Mom that I am (quite obvious), I conceded to surprise him with a new treat this time, sans any sort of justifiable excuses. :-)
Though not exactly a crowd-pleaser coz of its mild spiciness, this dish would definitely be an absolute favorite amongst the kids, especially if they love carrots. And my son, being an immense carrot-eater, simply loved the dish and did infact wiped off his plate within no time. And no points for guessing my menu for lunch for the next couple of days!!! ;-p
Though not exactly a crowd-pleaser coz of its mild spiciness, this dish would definitely be an absolute favorite amongst the kids, especially if they love carrots. And my son, being an immense carrot-eater, simply loved the dish and did infact wiped off his plate within no time. And no points for guessing my menu for lunch for the next couple of days!!! ;-p
And so here’s how the basic recipe for Carrot rice goes….
You’d require,
2 cups of short/long grained Basmati rice
4 – 5 medium sized Carrots
A couple of medium sized Onions
An inch piece long Ginger
A cup of frozen Green peas (optional)
A tsp of Turmeric powder
2 tsp of Kashmiri chilly powder
1 ½ tsp of Coriander powder
2 - 3 tsp of Cumin powder
A tbsp of homemade Garam masala powder
Salt – As required
Ghee/Butter/Veg oil – ½ cup or more
Juice of a lime
Lots of Coriander leaves
Whole spices:
A tsp of Fennel seeds/Perumjeerakam
A couple of Cinnamon (Karuvapatta) sticks
4 – 5 Cloves (Karayampoo)
A couple of Bay leaves
A tsp of Peppercorns (optional)
Method:-
1) Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes.
2) Cook the rice separately. Drain and set aside.
3) Heat ghee/butter/oil in a pan.
4) Put in the whole spices and fry for a few seconds.
5) Add the thinly sliced onions and ginger and sauté, till the onions turn pink and translucent. Pls do not brown them.
6) Add the powders and sauté further.
7) Add the grated carrots and peas and mix well.
8) Add salt and mix well again.
9) Throw in the cooked rice and mix further.
10) Add in the lemon juice and finely chopped coriander leaves.
11) Mix everything well.
12) Serve warm with Raitha, Pappadums, Pickle and any spicy curry.
Variations:-
a) You can add a cup of grated coconut too to enrich the whole taste. Adding fried cashews and raisins wouldn’t be a bad idea at all. :-)
b) Pls add/lessen the spices and powders accdg to one’s own preferences. A couple of trials would definitely help to make the measurements perfect. Your patience really counts here. ;-p
c) Pls do not add tomatoes, as it is sure to spoil the mild taste of the carrots. For extra tartness and zing, add more lime juice.
d) You can also add green chillies instead of chilly powder.
e) Pls note that in my version, the usage of cumin powder is on a much higher side. I used so as it simply brings out a totally different aroma to the whole dish. You can lessen/avoid the cumin powder if you wish to use whole cumin seeds along with the spices.
f) I’ve seen the inclusion of roasted peanuts in some of the website recipes. But I haven’t included it owing to personal choice. So, those who like the flavour and taste of peanuts, pls make sure to add it along with the powders.
So, as you can see, another dish that’s absolutely simple to make as regards the time and the procedure involved. An easy recipe that comes handy if you got a cup of pre-cooked left over rice in your fridge along with a few carrots. The rest of the ingredients are sure to be in store. So, wait no more and make yourself a really yummy and appetizing lunch…. A platter of steaming hot Carrot rice along with the regular accompaniments…. With the upcoming incessant downpour, there’s no better way to give a ravishing treat to your family. :-)
So, on that cozy note, happy cooking!!!
You’d require,
2 cups of short/long grained Basmati rice
4 – 5 medium sized Carrots
A couple of medium sized Onions
An inch piece long Ginger
A cup of frozen Green peas (optional)
A tsp of Turmeric powder
2 tsp of Kashmiri chilly powder
1 ½ tsp of Coriander powder
2 - 3 tsp of Cumin powder
A tbsp of homemade Garam masala powder
Salt – As required
Ghee/Butter/Veg oil – ½ cup or more
Juice of a lime
Lots of Coriander leaves
Whole spices:
A tsp of Fennel seeds/Perumjeerakam
A couple of Cinnamon (Karuvapatta) sticks
4 – 5 Cloves (Karayampoo)
A couple of Bay leaves
A tsp of Peppercorns (optional)
Method:-
1) Soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes.
2) Cook the rice separately. Drain and set aside.
3) Heat ghee/butter/oil in a pan.
4) Put in the whole spices and fry for a few seconds.
5) Add the thinly sliced onions and ginger and sauté, till the onions turn pink and translucent. Pls do not brown them.
6) Add the powders and sauté further.
7) Add the grated carrots and peas and mix well.
8) Add salt and mix well again.
9) Throw in the cooked rice and mix further.
10) Add in the lemon juice and finely chopped coriander leaves.
11) Mix everything well.
12) Serve warm with Raitha, Pappadums, Pickle and any spicy curry.
Variations:-
a) You can add a cup of grated coconut too to enrich the whole taste. Adding fried cashews and raisins wouldn’t be a bad idea at all. :-)
b) Pls add/lessen the spices and powders accdg to one’s own preferences. A couple of trials would definitely help to make the measurements perfect. Your patience really counts here. ;-p
c) Pls do not add tomatoes, as it is sure to spoil the mild taste of the carrots. For extra tartness and zing, add more lime juice.
d) You can also add green chillies instead of chilly powder.
e) Pls note that in my version, the usage of cumin powder is on a much higher side. I used so as it simply brings out a totally different aroma to the whole dish. You can lessen/avoid the cumin powder if you wish to use whole cumin seeds along with the spices.
f) I’ve seen the inclusion of roasted peanuts in some of the website recipes. But I haven’t included it owing to personal choice. So, those who like the flavour and taste of peanuts, pls make sure to add it along with the powders.
So, as you can see, another dish that’s absolutely simple to make as regards the time and the procedure involved. An easy recipe that comes handy if you got a cup of pre-cooked left over rice in your fridge along with a few carrots. The rest of the ingredients are sure to be in store. So, wait no more and make yourself a really yummy and appetizing lunch…. A platter of steaming hot Carrot rice along with the regular accompaniments…. With the upcoming incessant downpour, there’s no better way to give a ravishing treat to your family. :-)
So, on that cozy note, happy cooking!!!
Labels: For Lunch
posted by Viji at
8:54 AM
6 Comments:
Hi Viji
Nice to c u back in action..will try this recipe n let you know
Meryll
Hi Viji,
Your recipes are just incredible.The way they are presented is the best thing about it.I am quite impressed with the way you you have photographed and described about more than just recipe of the dish..it makes the dishes all the more mouthwatering.
I work with a software company,and never miss a chance to open the pachakam link to check any of your latest recipes and try at home. :)
Great Job
Thanks for all the recipes and waiting for more and more...not just recipes...but the special details too..!!
Regards,
Ambily
Hi Viji,
Your recipes are just incredible.The way they are presented is the best thing about it.I am quite impressed with the way you you have photographed and described about more than just recipe of the dish..it makes the dishes all the more mouthwatering.
I work with a software company,and never miss a chance to open the pachakam link to check any of your latest recipes and try at home. :)
Great Job
Thanks for all the recipes and waiting for more and more...not just recipes...but the special details too..!!
Regards,
Ambily
hi Meryll, thx again. do try it out.
Hi Ambily, thx for being a regular visitor. hope to post more recipes soon...and of course, with the "details". ;-) thank you once again for ur kind words and support.
Happy cooking!!
Viji
I will be greatful to one who give
me the recipe of the real Mutton curry made by male cooks in hotel
Paris Muvattupuzha(Ernakulam District)
It's,i believe the best in Kerala
If you have doubts,just come here
and have it....
Sounds delicious. Thanks for your elaborate description, I will try it out.
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