Sunday, May 18, 2014

Vegetable Rice | Variety Rice recipe | Kids Lunch Box Recipe


When choosing lunch box dishes for kids, it is important to select those which stay tasty even when not hot and are also wholesome. Adding plenty of veggies and cooking a one-pot meal does help with a nutrional boost during the busy hours of our little ones. As the kids study in a multi-racial environment, I tend to avoid packing dishes with strong Masala flavours.This mixed vegetable rice is mildly flavoured and definitely a kids-friendly healthy meal. My kids love the crunchiness of veggies blended with ginger-coriander flavour and mild tanginess from lemon juice. 

Preparation time - 10mins
Cooking time - 10mins
Serves - 4


Ingredients:
Basmati rice - 1 cup
Ghee or Oil - 2 tbsp
Jeera / Cumin seeds - 1tsp
Cloves - 3
Cardamom pods  - 2
Bay leaf - 1 
Ginger - 3/4" piece
Green chilli - 3-4
Coriander leaves - 1/2cup, tightly packed
Onion - 1, sliced lengthwise
Potato - 2, julienned
Carrot - 1, julienned
Beans - 10, julienned
Cauliflower - few florets
Fresh lemon juice -1 tbsp (Optional)
Salt - As needed

Method:-

1.  Cook Basmati rice according to package instructions and keep it aside.

2.  In a mixer, blend ginger, chilli and coriander leaves with 2-3tblsp water into a fine paste and set aside.

         

3.  Heat oil in a pan, add jeera, cloves, cardomom and bay leaf. Once evenly browned, add onion and sauté for 3-4mins until it turns pink and aromatic. 

         

4.  Add the veggies and sauté on a high flame for another 2-3mins. 

5.  Now add the ginger-coriander paste and let it cook on medium-high for another 4-5mins until the veggies are just cooked enough. Do not overcook as the veggies become soggy and lose their crunchiness. Also, DO NOT close with a lid while cooking. The veggies lose their bright colour in the process.

         

6.  Add cooked rice and gently mix so that the flavours are incorporated well. Squeeze in the lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves. 

         

Serve this healthy Mixed Vegetable Rice alongside Raitas or gravy of your choice. I packed my kid's lunch box with Rajma Masala and a simple Boondhi Raita.

Sending this to Blogging Marathon's Kid's Delight series hosted at Jayanthi's space.


18 comments :

  1. Who will say no to this healthy, colourful and irresistible rice, definitely not me..

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  2. simple one pot meal.. perfect lunch box

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I find it very easy to whip up during busy mornings

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  3. That is one mouthwatering lunch box! I like mildly flavored vegetable rice served with a gravy.

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  4. Deliciously flavoured comfort meal.

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  5. Very delicious looking lunch box!..

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  6. I love rice dishes and this looks absolutely mouth watering !

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  7. The dish sounds so yummy that it can pass for adults' lunch box as well.

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  8. love the combo of vegetables used - perfect veg rice

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