Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a spectacular culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant kitchens of India! This Mixed Vegetables Layered Rice is not just a meal, it's an experience that combines aromatic basmati rice, colorful vegetables, and a symphony of traditional spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make at home.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
- Chop the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans) into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Introduce chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and start to break down, creating a thick sauce.
- Add mixed vegetables to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they are lightly cooked but retain their crispness.
- Sprinkle garam masala and salt over the vegetables, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Add the washed rice to the pan and gently mix with the vegetables, coating the rice grains with the spice mixture.
- Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring the rice and vegetables are well-submerged.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- After cooking, let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes without removing the lid to allow steam to settle and rice to become fluffy.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the vegetables throughout the layers.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or mint leaves if desired.
Tips
- Rice Washing: Always rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Vegetable Preparation: Cut vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Spice Secret: Toast your cumin seeds briefly in hot oil to release their maximum flavor potential before adding other ingredients.
- Water Ratio: The 2:1 water-to-rice ratio is crucial for achieving perfectly fluffy rice. Measure carefully for best results.
- Low and Slow: After bringing the rice to a boil, reduce heat to the lowest setting and resist the urge to remove the lid during cooking.
- Resting Time: Allow the rice to rest after cooking - this helps the steam distribute evenly and makes the rice extra fluffy.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding cashews or raisins for extra texture and flavor, or a dollop of ghee for richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
