Indian Dirty Rice
Take your taste buds on a bold adventure with Indian Dirty Rice, a vibrant twist on the classic one-pot meal. This flavorful dish combines aromatic basmati rice with a medley of colorful vegetables, fragrant spices like garam masala and turmeric, and hearty cooked lentils or black beans for a protein-packed punch. Sautéed in ghee or vegetable oil, the finely chopped onions, garlic, and ginger create a savory base, while green chilies add a gentle kick of heat. Hints of smoked paprika and fresh lemon juice elevate the dish with a smoky zest and citrusy brightness. Topped off with fresh cilantro, this Indian-inspired recipe is perfect as a main course or a side dish, offering a deliciously satisfying meal in just 45 minutes. Whether you're looking for a healthy vegetarian option or an easy crowd-pleaser, Indian Dirty Rice delivers rich flavor and wholesome comfort with every bite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 none green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
- 0.75 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked lentils or black beans
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for 15-20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked rice, a pinch of salt, and cook until the rice is 90% done (approximately 8-10 minutes). Drain any excess water and set the rice aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, garam masala, turmeric powder, smoked paprika, and ground black pepper. Stir well and let the spices toast for about 30 seconds.
Toss in the diced carrot, green bell pepper, and a teaspoon of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Add the frozen peas and cooked lentils or black beans. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
Gently fold in the cooked rice, ensuring it is evenly coated with the spice mixture and vegetables. Be careful not to break the rice grains.
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture steam for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice.
Fluff the rice with a fork, taste for seasoning, and adjust if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1116 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.3 g | 92% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 2457 mg | 107% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 170.6 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.0 g | 121% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.6 g | ||
| Protein | 41.2 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 284 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 2132 mg | 45% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
