Chinese Vegetarian Fried Rice with Apples
A delightful fusion of sweet and savory, this Chinese Vegetarian Fried Rice with Apples brings a refreshing twist to the classic fried rice recipe. Perfect for a light dinner, it combines the crunch of apples and bell peppers with the aromatic flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and cashews. The dish is vegetarian, healthy, and can be easily customized to suit your personal taste. Serve it alongside vegetarian wonton soup and paneer satay for a complete meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 2 cups |
| Apples (diced) | 2 |
| Bell Pepper (red, yellow, or green) | 1, finely chopped |
| Cashew Nuts | 1 tablespoon |
| Raisins | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Ginger (shredded) | 1 inch piece |
| Soy Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | As required |
| Water | As needed |
| Salt | As needed |
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Instructions
1. Soak the Rice:
Begin by soaking the basmati rice in water for 25-30 minutes. This step helps the rice grains to remain separate and fluffy once cooked.
2. Cook the Rice:
After soaking, drain the rice and cook it with enough water in a large saucepan or rice cooker. Once cooked, spread the rice on a plate and allow it to cool down completely. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy when stir-frying.
3. Prepare the Cashews and Raisins:
Heat a little sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cashew nuts and raisins, and sauté them until the cashews turn golden brown and the raisins swell up. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Ginger:
In the same pan, add shredded ginger and sauté it until aromatic, allowing the raw scent to disappear.
5. Cook the Bell Pepper:
Next, add the finely chopped bell pepper (capsicum) to the pan, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and stir-fry on high flame for 2-3 minutes, until the bell peppers are slightly tender but still crunchy.
6. Add the Apples:
Add the diced apples to the pan along with soy sauce and sugar. Stir gently and cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the apples to release their natural sweetness. The apples should be partially cooked but still retain their crunch.
7. Combine the Rice:
Now, add the cooled basmati rice to the pan along with the fried cashews and raisins. Sprinkle the black pepper powder over the rice, and gently stir everything together on high heat for 1 minute. Be careful not to break the rice grains.
8. Final Fry:
Reduce the heat to low and continue to fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the flavors meld together.
9. Serve:
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, turn off the flame. Serve your delicious Chinese Vegetarian Fried Rice with Apples as a standalone dish or pair it with vegetarian wonton soup and paneer satay for a complete, flavorful meal.
Tips for Best Results:
- Rice: Always use long-grain basmati rice for the best texture. It is light and fluffy, which is ideal for fried rice recipes.
- Apples: Choose firm apples like Fuji or Granny Smith for a crisp bite. Avoid overcooking the apples to preserve their crunch and freshness.
- Cashews and Raisins: Toasting the cashews and raisins adds a rich, nutty flavor and a sweet bite that complements the savory elements of the dish.
- Soy Sauce: If you want a gluten-free version, use tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
This Chinese Vegetarian Fried Rice with Apples is versatile and can be served in various ways. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of warm Vegetarian Wonton Soup and crispy Paneer Satay for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, enjoy it on its own as a light dinner or lunch option.
