Carrot Rice Recipe: A Colorful Twist On Your Dinner Table!

Let me share an incident of one of those evenings when I came home with hungry faces waiting at the table.
I barely had any time to pull together a meal. All I had was leftover rice and a few carrots at home. That’s when I recalled a famous Indian chef saying on a TV show, “The best food comes from the simplest ingredients, cooked with love and care.’ Then I decided to try the carrot rice recipe or ‘gajar pulav’.

Bas phr kya tha: I promptly grated those carrots, threw in some nice fragrant spices, and, to my surprise, the dish tasted nothing short of fantastic! As it turns out, this recipe is full of the goodness of vitamin A from carrots and can be adapted to any favorite veggies or proteins you desire. This recipe is even perfect for your weight loss plans, too!

Isn’t it funny how an empty fridge can introduce you to new family favorites? Carrot rice may just be your new dinner salvation if you are searching for something as uncomplicated as filling!

Your Go-To Carrot Rice Recipe In Just A Few Steps

Cooking is a combination of art and science. It’s something like magic that transforms simple ingredients into a luscious dish, isn’t it? I also have this same thing in mind while preparing carrot rice or ‘gajar ka pulav’. Its aroma fills the kitchen; before you know it, the whole family gathers at the dinner table to dig in.

The best part is how easily customizable it is: add your favorite spices, toss in some nuts, or sneak in a few extra veggies. Alright, enough chit-chat; let’s find out how to make carrot rice!

Instructions

1. Firstly, soak rice in enough water for 30 minutes, then drain.

2. Then, pressure cook the soaked rice with ¾ to 1 cup water for two whistles.

3. Once cooked, fluff the rice gently and allow it to cool completely. You can let it cool in the cooker itself or spread it on a large tray.

4. While the rice is getting cooled, peel and grate carrots (if not done yet). Also, thinly slice one small onion and chop a green chili. Set aside.

5. Then, heat oil in a pan and add the sliced onions. Sauté on medium heat until lightly golden.

6. Further, add 10-12 cashews and 10-12 raisins. Stir and sauté until the raisins puff up and the onions turn golden. Remove and set aside.

7. In the same pan (with some oil left), lower the heat. Add ½ teaspoon mustard seeds, a small bay leaf, ½ inch cinnamon, 1-2 green cardamoms, and two cloves.

8. Then, fry until the mustard seeds crackle, then add the chopped green chilies, 5-6 curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for 30 seconds.

9. In the next step of this carrot rice recipe, add the grated carrots and cook on low to medium heat for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

10. Now combine everything! Add the cooled rice to the sautéed carrots. Mix well and season with salt. Turn off the heat.

11. Also, stir in the sautéed onions, cashews, raisins, and 1-2 tablespoons of chopped coriander leaves. Alternatively, garnish with this mixture on top for presentation.

12. Lastly, serve your ‘gajar pulav’ hot as a standalone dish or a side. You can serve it with a raita, salad, or any chutney.

You know that carrots for kids offer a whole lot of health benefits. They will love their orange hue and sweet flavor, as carrots would be a novelty. It tends to make getting my kids to eat their veggies easier while I have peace of mind that they have something close to eating their nutrients in a tasty meal!

Nutritional Insights Into This Wholesome Rice Dish

Do you know that according to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture, 100 gm of carrots provide 8280 mcg of beta carotene, which our body converts into Vitamin A? Great na! This dish with carrots as its main ingredient is very nutritious and healthy.

Here’s the approximate nutritional value for 100 grams of carrot rice based on the ingredients used:

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Vitamin A: 3000 IU (high due to carrots)
• Vitamin C: 2 mg
• Calcium: 20 mg
• Iron: 0.8 mg

These values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and any adjustments made (like adding extra veggies or nuts).

Top 10 Surprising Health Benefits Of This Carrot Rice Recipe

After understanding the nutritional values of this ‘gajar ka pulav’, the next step is to discuss how this dish or carrot benefits your health. So, without any delay, let’s chek them out:

1. Rich in Vitamin A: Who doesn’t talk about the star of this dish—carrots? They are simply packed with beta-carotene, which is converted into Vitamin A inside our body. According to NHS, Vitamin A acts like a superhero for the eyes by fighting night blindness and keeping our vision sharp.

2. Good For Digestion: My favorite thing about this recipe is that it keeps my digestive system happy. The goodness of carrots with a lot of fiber is just basic enough so that everything moves smoothly to try and avoid those experiences of being constipated. Using whole grain rice, hand-pounded or brown rice, adds more fiber into the mix, so it’s like gently nudging my gut to keep things moving!

3. Immunity booster: Who does not want to have a robust immune system? Carrots are full of antioxidants that combat free radicals, keeping us healthy, full of life, and less susceptible to certain diseases. The other add-ins in this dish, like mustard seeds and curry leaves, provide another immunity-boosting layer.

4. Heart-Friendly Food: The Carrot rice recipe can be heart-friendly too! When I cook it with healthy cooking oils such as olive oil or a neutral-flavored oil, I know I am doing my heart a world of good. They are full of potassium, which is known to regulate blood pressure. The carrots and the rice offer a great deal of fiber that can reduce cholesterol levels. It feels good when I can enjoy a scrumptious and heart-healthy meal at the same time!

5. Good For Weight Control: If you are like me and always keep an eye on your weight, then this ‘gajar pulav’ is perfect. The fiber keeps me feeling full and satisfied, thereby reducing the urge to snack later for unhealthy foods. And with such low-calorie count, I can indulge in such a flavorful dish without even a small guilt feeling. It’s a win-win situation!

6. It Gives Energy: For sure, I really need those energy-boosting meals, especially in busy days. The carbohydrates from this rice dish are immediately converted to my body’s cells as energy. The healthy fats and carbs with good amounts of proteins provide me with balanced fuel throughout the day. Lunch or dinnertime with carrot rice is awesome for a pick-me-up!

7. Loaded With Antioxidants: The National Library Of Medicine says that carrots are really good sources of natural antioxidants like beta-carotene and Vitamin C. These hold off oxidative damage in our cells, keeping them healthy. I am not just adding flavor to the carrot rice recipe when I add the spices – cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom – because with them, I also bring in the antioxidant power of that meal.

8. Supports Bone Health: Carrots contain tiny amounts of calcium and Vitamin K, which ensure good bone health. When I throw in some cashews and another healthy dose of magnesium, I am all set. It’s the little things, know?

9. Improves Skin Health: Carrots are 86 % to 95 % water, and their vitamin A and antioxidants work wonders on my skin. They help repair tissues and hydrate the skin, leaving it radiant. Every time I enjoy ‘gajar pulav’, I feel that I am giving my skin a little care from within.

10. Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: If you are following blood sugar control, it would be a smart choice to use hand-pounded or brown rice over white rice. It slows down the absorption of sugar, thus preventing those irritating blood sugar spikes. The carrots also have a low glycemic index, making this dish wonderful for the diet chart for diabetic patients. It is pretty awesome that I can have a meal that tastes great and regulates my blood sugar.

Therefore, carrot rice is not only tasty but also nutritious, so it easily fits into your regular meal rotation. It’s like giving my body a little gift whenever I enjoy it. So, make sure to add it to your healthy diet plan!

Must-Know Tips For Perfecting This Flavorful Recipe!

Now, you know the amazing and yummy carrot rice recipe, but how can you adapt it to your needs? We will discuss this now. So, here are some tips and tricks. I am sharing all of them with you below:

• Using Leftover Rice: Do you have leftover plain white rice? Great! Use about 3 cups. Just skip the steps to cook rice, and get to the sauté step of onions, spices, and carrots, then add the rice to mix in at the end. Voilà!
  
• Cooking Rice In A Pan: If you have no pressure cooker, no worries! You can cook rice in a simple pan. In the pan, put your rice and a pinch of salt, then about 3-3.5 cups of water. Stir, then simmer at medium-low heat until the grains are fluffy and soft. Drain excess water and cool down to room temperature before you mix it with sautéed veggies.
  
• To Spice It Up: If you’re cooking for kids, you can omit the green chilies for a milder flavor. But if you’re like me and enjoy a little heat, go ahead and add more green chilies or sprinkle in some red chili powder or cayenne pepper. And do add ¼ teaspoon of turmeric for a lovely yellow hue. No whole spices, including cinnamon or cardamom? No problem—you can add ¼ teaspoon garam masala.
  
• Add More Veggies: Want to make this carrot rice recipe more filling? You can toss in some bell peppers, cabbage, steamed peas, or boiled corn. It adds flavor and makes it a complete meal!
  
• Make It Gluten-Free: If you need to add this dish to your gluten-free diet plan, just forget the asafoetida or use a gluten-free one.
  
• Scaling Up: This recipe is super easy to double or triple if you’ve got a crowd to feed. Just multiply the quantities, and you’re good to go!

So, these are some tips that will make your carrot rice not just delicious but also adaptable to whatever suits your needs.

How To Serve And Preserve Your Flavorful Carrot Rice?

This rice recipe containing carrots is so versatile, and you can have it in so many ways!

• For instance, you could simply pair it with a cool raita or a fresh garden salad to balance the palate.
  
• If you want to make it as a tiffin staple, carrot rice really goes well with chutney or a simple veggie stir-fry.
  
• If you are into tangy flavors, the onion-tomato salad will work beautifully with the mild sweetness of this dish.
  
• Or if you are in the mood for something creamy, a mayo salad is just the perfect match.
  
• And when you don’t have some veggies ready? No stress! You can just serve it with a bowl of plain yogurt-it’s a classic combination that never goes wrong.

Storage: This dish is likely to be used up immediately, so there is less scope for storage. If leftovers, store them in the fridge and use them within one day. The carrot rice recipe is best used fresh, so it should not be kept for any longer than that.

Raw Vs. Cooked Carrot – Nutrition Facts From Fitelo!

A question often comes to my mind: Should I eat raw carrots or eat them cooked? What is more beneficial? I am sure you also want to know its answer. Don’t worry! Watch the video below and clear your doubts right away!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Carrots And Rice Good For You?

Yes, carrots and rice are healthy too! Carrots contain Vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants that facilitate body functions in good vision, digestion, and immune action. Rice helps to give energy and provides fiber; hence, this combination makes for a healthy, well-balanced meal to be prepared at any time.

Is Carrot Rice Recipe Good For Weight Loss?

Yes, carrot rice is a weight loss-friendly food as the fiber found in carrots and rice keeps you full for longer periods and, thus, decreases overeating opportunities. It is a low-calorie, nutritious, and energy-providing dish without fat addition. Just watch out for your portions and oil!

Are Carrots Better When Cooked?

Indeed, cooked carrots can be better! Cooking breaks down carrots’ tough cell walls and disintegrates them. Consequently, your body can absorb more beta-carotene when it converts into Vitamin A. Besides, lightly cooking them retains most of their fiber and nutrients.

Contact Us Today

Get in touch with our expert team at Fitelo to kick-start your transformative journey! Let us guide you toward your weight loss goals and help you cultivate sustainable and healthy eating habits. So, contact us today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you with Fitelo!

Disclaimer

This recipe was written to help you make healthy and better food choices. So, be aware and take care. The vital thing to consider is your health before starting a restrictive diet. Therefore, before starting, always seek advice from a doctor/dietitian if you have any concerns.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.