Masala Rice

Masala Rice is a fragrant and flavorful vegan dish, combining aromatic spices with perfectly cooked rice and vibrant vegetables. It's a hearty meal that showcases the rich culinary traditions of India while being simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Oil (coconut or vegetable) - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Ginger (grated) - 1 teaspoon
• Green chili (slit) - 1
• Carrot (diced) - 1 medium
• Green peas (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup
• Bell pepper (diced) - 1/2 medium
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Fresh cilantro (chopped) - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 15 minutes.
2. In a pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the cumin and mustard seeds. Sauté until they start to crackle.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Add the diced carrot, green peas, and bell pepper, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
6. Add the soaked, drained rice to the pot and stir gently to mix with the vegetables and spices.
7. Pour in the 2 cups of water, add turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Bring to a boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
9. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Contains a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.

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