Fried Rice – Indian Style

Step 1: Prepare the Basmati Rice

Wash 500g of basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 15 minutes. In a large pot, bring 2.5 to 3 liters of water to a boil. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 2 bay leaves, and 1.5 tablespoons of refined oil to the boiling water. Add the soaked rice to the pot and boil until the rice is 80% cooked. The grains should be separate and slightly firm. Drain the water completely and set the rice aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon of refined oil and 1 tablespoon of ghee in a large pan or wok. Add the julienned carrots and beans. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add 1/2 cup of green peas and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes. Now, add the julienned capsicum and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes. Finally, add the cashew nuts and raisins, frying until the cashews are lightly golden and the raisins plump up. Remove all the fried vegetables, cashews, and raisins from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Combine and Season the Fried Rice

In the same large pan, add 1.5 tablespoons of refined oil and 2 teaspoons of ghee. Once hot, add the whole spices: 2 bay leaves, 1 cinnamon stick, 3-4 green cardamoms, and 4-5 cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. Reduce the flame to low. Add the 80% cooked basmati rice to the pan. Sprinkle 1.5 to 2 teaspoons of black pepper powder, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 3 slit green chillies over the rice. Gently add the previously fried vegetables, cashews, and raisins on top of the rice. Add 1 teaspoon of ghee. Increase the flame to medium-high and gently mix all the ingredients together using a light hand to avoid breaking the rice grains. Ensure everything is well combined and heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Serve the Fried Rice

Once thoroughly mixed and heated, turn off the gas. The Fried Rice is now ready to be served hot. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a main course or as a side.

• Soak basmati rice for at least 15 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and remains fluffy.

• Do not overcook the rice; it should be 80% cooked to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with vegetables.

• Use a large, wide pan or wok for mixing the rice and vegetables to avoid breaking the delicate rice grains.

• Adjust the amount of green chillies and black pepper powder according to your spice preference.

• Add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers of different colors for more variety.

• For a non-vegetarian option, add scrambled eggs or cooked chicken pieces.

• Substitute basmati rice with jasmine rice for a different aroma and texture.