Carrot pilaf is a South Indian rice recipe that’s simple, nutritious, and absolutely delicious! This dish involves mixing cooked rice with a blend of nuts, spices, and carrots.
Traditional ingredients like ginger, garlic, and onions add flavor, while garam masala, turmeric, and powdered red chili bring a burst of spice in every spoonful.
You can enjoy carrot pilaf as a main dish or as a flavorful side to pair with your favorite meals. It works particularly well with Indian dishes like dal or curry.
Here’s how you can make this nutritious, vegan-friendly dish at home!
Making Carrot Pilaf / Carrot Rice
Other than being packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, carrots are incredibly versatile.
This recipe makes the most of its natural sweetness, blending it with spices to create a dish that’s perfect as a standalone meal or a side dish. You’ll love the mix of flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup white, long-grain basmati rice (pre-cooked)
- 2-3 green chilies (Thai green chilies, de-seeded and finely chopped for heat)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or 1 teaspoon each of minced garlic and ginger)
- 2 medium carrots (grated or finely chopped)
- ½ cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sambar powder (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
- 2 cloves
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 10-12 fresh curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons roasted cashews (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (chopped, for garnish)
Method
- Prepare the rice: Cook 1 cup of basmati rice according to package instructions and set it aside to cool.
- Heat the oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan or Kadai, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Sputter the seeds: Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the oil, and wait for them to sputter.
- Add aromatics: Toss in the curry leaves and green chilies. Stir for a few seconds, then add the ginger-garlic paste and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions turn light brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the carrots and peas: Add the grated carrots and peas to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes, letting the vegetables cook slightly while retaining their crunch.
- Spice it up: Add the red chili powder, turmeric, sambar powder (if using), garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Stir for another minute to ensure the spices coat the vegetables evenly.
- Combine with rice: Gently fold the pre-cooked rice into the vegetable mixture. Stir until the rice is well combined with the veggies and spices. Lower the heat and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and top the pilaf with roasted cashews (if using) and freshly chopped cilantro. Serve the carrot pilaf hot alongside a side of vegan yogurt, raita, or other cooked vegetables.
Carrot Pilaf Recipe Variations
If you’d like to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:
- Add more veggies: You can mix in bell peppers, sweet corn, or broccoli for extra color and texture.
- Include nuts: Roasted peanuts or almonds are great alternatives to cashews and add a satisfying crunch.
- Spice it differently: Try adding coriander powder or paprika for a unique flavor twist.
- Garnish with coconut: Grated coconut adds a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with the spices in this dish.
You may also like this turmeric rice dish.
Final Thoughts
Carrot pilaf is a wholesome South Indian dish that’s loaded with flavor and nutrients. The combination of grated carrots, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice makes it a perfect meal for any time of day.
Plus, it’s vegan and packed with antioxidants, making it as nutritious as it is delicious.
Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side, this carrot pilaf is bound to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to try the recipe variations to discover new ways of enjoying this dish.
