Carrot Pulao Recipe – Carrot Rice
Introduction
Carrot Pulao, known as गाजर पुलाव in Hindi, is a delightful and vibrant rice dish that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with aromatic spices, making it a perfect choice for dinner. This vegetarian dish is not only easy to prepare but also nutritious, offering a wonderful way to enjoy rice with a burst of flavor. Pair it with cooling spinach raita or savory paneer masala for a complete meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 2 cups |
| Small Onions (finely chopped) | 10 small |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Carrots (grated) | 4 carrots |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | 5 leaves (chopped) |
| Sambar Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Coriander | A little (for garnish) |
| Oil | As needed |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 |
| Cooking Time | 30 |
| Total Time | 50 |
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people, making it an ideal dish for family gatherings or dinner parties.
Instructions
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Heat Oil: Begin by heating oil in a large kadai or pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking.
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Cook Mustard Seeds: Add the mustard seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter for about 15 seconds, which will infuse the oil with a delightful aroma.
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Sauté Onions and Ginger: Once the mustard seeds have spluttered, add the finely chopped onions and grated ginger to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
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Add Carrots and Salt: Next, add the grated carrots along with salt to taste. Stir the mixture well, allowing the carrots to cook until they soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Incorporate Spices: After the carrots are tender, add the chopped curry leaves, sambar powder, and cardamom powder. Mix everything thoroughly and let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Mix in Rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the spiced vegetable mixture. Stir carefully to avoid breaking the rice grains.
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Finish with Ghee and Coriander: Finally, add the fresh coriander leaves and a tablespoon of ghee. Mix well to combine all the ingredients, allowing the ghee to add richness to the pulao.
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Serve Hot: Serve your delicious carrot pulao hot, garnished with additional coriander if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with spinach raita, paneer masala, and soft phulkas, creating a well-rounded and satisfying dinner experience.
Serving Suggestions
Carrot Pulao is best enjoyed warm and can be complemented with:
- Spinach Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based side that balances the spices in the pulao.
- Paneer Masala: A rich and creamy dish that adds protein and enhances the meal’s flavors.
- Phulka: Soft and fluffy Indian bread that is perfect for scooping up the pulao and accompanying dishes.
Conclusion
This Carrot Pulao recipe is a delightful addition to your dinner table, showcasing the beautiful blend of spices and vegetables. It not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the body with wholesome ingredients. Try this recipe and enjoy the colorful and flavorful journey it brings to your kitchen!
