16 Indian Carrot Rice Pilaf Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 29, 2024
Carrot rice pilaf, also known as Gajar Pulao, is a popular Indian dish that is bursting with flavor and nutrients. This simple and versatile recipe combines the sweetness of carrots with the aromatic spices of India to create a delicious one-pot meal. Whether you are new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, let's dive in and learn how to make this mouth-watering Indian carrot rice pilaf!
Main Ingredients: Butter, Rice, Chicken Broth, Celery, Fresh Parsley
A classic side dish for any chicken dish, rice pilaf is a great addition to your beer can chicken meal. You can add bold flavors to your rice pilaf by cooking it in chicken broth and spices like cinnamon and cumin. The combination of the savory chicken and flavorful rice will have your taste buds dancing.
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Indian Vegetable Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Butter, Fennel Seed, Cloves, Canela, Star
If you're looking for a vegetarian option to pair with your beer can chicken, this Indian vegetable pilaf is a great choice. Colorful vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and peas are cooked with fragrant basmati rice and spices like turmeric and coriander. This dish is a great way to add texture and flavor to your meal.
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Jewel-Toned Sweet and Savory Basmati Rice Pilaf with...
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Golden Raisins, Dried Cranberries
This rice pilaf is not only delicious, but it's also beautiful to look at. The combination of sweet dried fruits and savory nuts and spices gives this dish a jewel-toned appearance. It's the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken for a colorful and flavorful meal.
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Blackened Chicken Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Yellow Onion, Garlic Clove, Carrots, Olive Oil, Frozen
If you're a fan of spicy food, this recipe is for you. The chicken is coated in a blend of spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and thyme before being cooked on the grill. The result is a smoky and spicy chicken that pairs perfectly with a cool and creamy side dish, like a cucumber and yogurt salad.
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Zarda – Indian Sweet Rice Pilaf with Saffron and Nuts
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Water, Milk, Saffron, Turmeric, Ghee
This Indian sweet rice pilaf is a crowd-pleaser with its saffron-infused rice and crunchy nuts. The combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a perfect pairing for your beer can chicken. Plus, the vibrant yellow color of the rice will add a pop of color to your plate.
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Black Lentil Curry (Vegan Indian Dal)
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Ginger, Small
If you're looking for a healthy and vegetarian option to serve with your beer can chicken, try this black lentil curry. The lentils are cooked with Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric to create a flavorful and filling dish. Serve it over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
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coriander rice | Indian cilantro rice
Main Ingredients: Coriander Leaves, Mint Leaves, Ginger, Green Chilies
This rice dish is a great way to add freshness and flavor to your meal. The rice is cooked with cilantro and lime juice, giving it a bright and refreshing taste. It's the perfect side dish to pair with your beer can chicken for a light and flavorful meal.
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Thayir Vadai | South Indian Dahi Vada
Main Ingredients: Urad Dal, Rice, Green Chilli, Ginger, Curry Leaves
For a unique and creamy side dish, try this South Indian dahi vada. These lentil fritters are soaked in a spiced yogurt sauce for a few hours before serving. The result is a creamy and tangy side dish that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors of beer can chicken.
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Wild Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic, Long Grain White Rice
For a nutty and flavorful twist on traditional rice pilaf, try using wild rice instead. Wild rice has a chewy and hearty texture and pairs well with earthy flavors like mushrooms and thyme. This dish is a great way to add complexity and depth to your beer can chicken meal.
This Indian red lentil dahl is a creamy and comforting dish that is perfect for pairing with beer can chicken. The lentils are cooked in a spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce for a rich and flavorful dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Indian Lemon Rice
Main Ingredients: Rice, Green Chilies, Ginger, Peanuts, Turmeric, Salt
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Simple Veggie Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Zucchini, Medium Carrots, Olive Oil
If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, this simple veggie rice pilaf is a great option. Cook fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn with rice and chicken broth for a flavorful and colorful dish that will complement your chicken perfectly.
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Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Diced Yellow Onion, Carrot, Minced
This lentil curry is a hearty and filling dish that pairs well with beer can chicken. The lentils are cooked with Indian spices like garam masala, coriander, and cumin for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Fried Rice – Indian style
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, Cinnamon Stick, Cloves, Peppercorns
If you have some leftover rice, this Indian-style fried rice is a great way to use it up. The rice is cooked with spices like turmeric and cumin and vegetables like bell peppers and peas for a flavorful and colorful side dish. It's a great way to add a twist to your beer can chicken meal.
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Indian Rice and Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Medium Potatoes, Yogurt, Fresh Cilantro, Ginger
For a hearty and filling side dish, try this Indian rice and potato dish. The potatoes are cooked with spices like cumin and mustard seeds and then mixed with rice for a creamy and flavorful dish. It's a great way to add some comfort food to your meal.
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Chicken Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Butter, Olive Oil, Onion, Salt, Pepper, Medium Carrots
If you want to incorporate more chicken into your beer can chicken meal, try this chicken rice pilaf. The chicken is cooked with spices like paprika and garlic and then mixed with rice for a flavorful and protein-packed side dish. It's a great way to add some variety to your meal.
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Thai Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Rice, Coconut Oil, Pineapple, Carrots, Sweet Peas, Lime
This Thai rice pilaf is a great way to add some international flavors to your beer can chicken meal. The rice is cooked with coconut milk, Thai curry paste, and vegetables for a creamy and spicy dish. It's a great way to add some complexity to your meal.
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Saffron Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Green Cardamom Pods, Cloves, Cassia Bark, Bay
Saffron adds a beautiful color and delicate flavor to this rice pilaf. The fragrant spice is mixed with rice and chicken broth for a delicious and elegant side dish that pairs well with beer can chicken. It's a great way to add a touch of luxury to your meal.
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Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Cauliflower, Fresh Ginger, Cooked
For a healthier option, try this cauliflower rice pilaf. The rice is replaced with cauliflower rice and mixed with spices like cumin and turmeric for a light and flavorful dish. It's a great way to add some vegetables to your meal without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You Will Need
1. Carrots
The star of this dish, carrots, are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. They also add a beautiful pop of color to the rice pilaf.
2. Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a long-grained, aromatic rice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a unique nutty flavor and fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the carrots in this dish.
3. Spices
The key to the rich and complex flavors of this dish lies in the spices used. These include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, all of which are readily available in most grocery stores.
4. Nuts and Raisins
To add a delicious crunch and sweetness to the pilaf, we will be using cashews and raisins. These ingredients also provide a contrast in texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.
How to Make Indian Carrot Rice Pilaf
Now that we have our ingredients, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and aromatic Indian carrot rice pilaf:
Step 1: Saute the Carrots
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some oil and saute the chopped carrots for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Next, add in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to the pot and stir well. Let the spices cook for a minute or two until fragrant.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat it with the spices and oil. Let it toast for a few minutes before pouring in the water.
Step 4: Add Water and Bring to a Boil
Pour in enough water to cover the rice and add a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
Step 5: Add Nuts and Raisins
Once the rice is cooked and all the water has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, add in the cashews and raisins and gently mix them into the rice.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish your Indian carrot rice pilaf with some fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, and serve hot. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite protein for a complete meal.
In conclusion, this Indian carrot rice pilaf recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful and healthy dish. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate the flavors of India in your own kitchen. So, go ahead and give it a try, and let your taste buds be transported to the vibrant streets of India!