Veg Fried Rice Recipe | Indian-style Vegetable Fried Rice

Veg fried rice is a popular and tasty dish that combines rice with a variety of fresh vegetables and flavorful seasonings. It’s quick to make and perfect for a nutritious meal. This Indian-style veg fried rice recipe is simple to follow and uses common ingredients found in most kitchens. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or packing a lunch box, this recipe is a great choice.

Ingredients

For Cooking Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 tsp oil
• ½ tsp salt
• Water for soaking and boiling

For Fried Rice:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp spring onions, chopped
• ¼ carrot, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp cabbage, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp peas (matar)
• 5 beans, chopped
• ¼ capsicum, finely chopped
• ¾ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp pepper, crushed
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:

   • Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes.
   • Boil water in a large pot with ½ tsp salt and 1 tsp oil. Add the soaked rice and cook until it’s about 90% done. Drain the water and let the rice cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Finely chop 2 cloves of garlic, ½ onion, 4 tbsp spring onions, ¼ carrot, 2 tbsp cabbage, and ¼ capsicum. Also, chop 5 beans and measure 2 tbsp of peas.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

   • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large kadai or wok. Add the chopped garlic and stir-fry until it becomes fragrant.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and 2 tbsp of spring onions. Sauté until they become translucent and sweat.
   • Add the finely chopped vegetables (carrot, cabbage, peas, beans, capsicum) and ½ tsp salt. Stir-fry on high flame without overcooking the vegetables. They should remain crisp.

4. Add Seasonings and Rice:

   • Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp vinegar. Stir-fry until the sauce is well combined with the vegetables.
   • Keep the flame on high and add the cooked rice to the kadai. Mix everything gently to avoid breaking the rice grains.
   • Add 1 tsp crushed pepper and ¼ tsp salt. Adjust the salt according to your taste as soy sauce already contains salt.

5. Final Touch:

   • Add 2 tbsp of spring onions and mix well. Stir-fry for another minute on high flame.
   • Serve the veg fried rice hot, paired with gobi manchurian or any side dish of your choice.

Nutritious Value

This veg fried rice is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. The variety of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals. Basmati rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy. Garlic and onions add flavor and have health benefits like boosting immunity. This dish is a balanced meal that’s low in fat and high in fiber, making it a healthy option for everyone.

Tips for the Best Veg Fried Rice

• Rice Preparation: Make sure the rice is cooked properly. It should be 90% done, not too soft. This helps in keeping the rice grains separate during stir-frying.
• High Flame Cooking: Stir-frying the vegetables on high flame ensures they stay crisp and retain their color and nutrients.
• Ingredient Variations: Feel free to add or replace vegetables as per your preference. Bell peppers, baby corn, and mushrooms are great additions.
• Soy Sauce and Salt: Be careful with the amount of soy sauce and salt as soy sauce already contains salt. Adjust according to your taste.
• Cooling the Rice: Letting the rice cool completely before adding to the vegetables helps in keeping the grains separate and prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the veg fried rice with any Indo-Chinese side dish like gobi manchurian, paneer chili, or even a simple raita.

Enjoy this simple and flavorful veg fried rice recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!