Carrot Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Basmati & Spice Flavors

Last Updated on 6 months ago by Neha Deshmukh

Carrot Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Basmati & Spice Flavors

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy Indian rice dish, you have to try this Carrot Rice. It’s a staple in my family, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes I first made when I was starting to experiment in the kitchen – and it’s been a hit ever since! It’s vibrant, aromatic, and perfect as a light meal or a side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Carrot Rice isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies, and the warm spices are just so inviting. Plus, it comes together pretty quickly, especially if you’re using a pressure cooker. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I think you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 small piece cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp ginger paste
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 medium onions, minced
• 2 green chillies, chopped
• 1.5 cup chopped carrots
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.25 tsp red chilli powder
• 0.25 tsp garam masala powder
• 3.25 cups water
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain

Basmati rice is key here. Look for long-grain basmati – it stays fluffy and separate, which is exactly what we want. I prefer the aged basmati, as it has a more pronounced aroma. (Around 200g dry basmati rice is about 2 cups).

Ghee: The Flavor Foundation

Ghee adds a beautiful richness and nutty flavor. It’s traditional in Indian cooking, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with vegetable oil, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. (1 tbsp ghee is about 15ml).

Spices: Exploring Turmeric, Red Chili & Garam Masala

These spices are where the magic happens! Turmeric gives the rice its lovely golden color and earthy flavor. Red chili powder adds a gentle warmth (you can adjust this to your liking!). Garam masala is a blend of warming spices – it’s what really ties everything together.

Regional Variations in Spice Blends

Every family has their own little twist! Some people add a pinch of cumin powder or coriander powder. Feel free to experiment and make it your own.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it in water for about 30 minutes. This helps the grains cook up nice and fluffy. Drain it well after soaking.
2. Now, heat the ghee in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cinnamon and bay leaf, and let them sizzle for a few seconds – this releases their aroma.
3. Add the ginger paste and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that lovely fragrance.
4. Next, stir in the minced onions and chopped green chillies. Cook until the onions turn translucent and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chopped carrots, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the spices don’t burn.
6. Add the drained rice and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring gently. You want the rice grains to get slightly crisp.
7. Pour in the water and season with salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly distributed.
8. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 3 whistles.
9. Once the whistles have subsided, let the pressure release naturally. This is important! Don’t try to force it open.
10. Finally, open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Expert Tips

A few little things to keep in mind for perfect Carrot Rice:

Achieving Perfectly Fluffy Rice

Soaking the rice is crucial. It helps the grains cook evenly and prevents them from sticking together. Don’t skip this step!

Balancing Spice Levels

Adjust the amount of red chili powder to your preference. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.

Using a Pressure Cooker vs. Pot Cooking

If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can cook this in a pot. Use about 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Carrot Rice

Simply substitute the ghee with vegetable oil. It won’t have the same nutty flavor, but it will still be delicious!

Gluten-Free Carrot Rice

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your garam masala blend doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients.

Adjusting the Spice Level

My friend, Priya, loves to add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a unique flavor. It’s a bit pungent, so use it sparingly!

Festival Adaptations (e.g., Navratri)

During Navratri, some families avoid onions and garlic. You can easily make this recipe without them – it will still be flavorful thanks to the spices.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot Rice is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some accompaniments.

• Raita (yogurt dip)
• Pickle (mango pickle is a classic!)
• Cucumber slices
• A simple dal (lentil soup)
• A side of roasted vegetables

Storage Instructions

Leftover Carrot Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

Basmati rice is the way to go! Its long grains and delicate flavor are perfect for this dish.

Can I use oil instead of ghee?

Yes, you can, but ghee adds a unique richness and flavor that oil doesn’t quite match.

How can I adjust the heat level of this dish?

Reduce the amount of red chili powder, or omit the green chilies altogether.

Can this be made in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the same water ratio and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the cooker?

Make sure you rinse the rice well before cooking, and don’t stir too vigorously while it’s cooking.

What is a good accompaniment to Carrot Rice?

Raita and a simple dal are classic pairings. A cooling cucumber side dish also works beautifully!