Masala Rice Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Masala Rice is a delicious one-pot recipe prepared with rice, vegetables, and spices. Serve it with plain yogurt or raita for a comforting meal.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Soaking Time30

Total Time1 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: people

1 cup long grain basmati rice
1 tablespoon neutral-flavored cooking oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
1 cinnamon stick (dalchini)
2-3 whole green cardamoms (hari elaichi)
1-2 whole cloves (laung)
1 bay leaf (tejpatta)
½ cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon ginger garlic paste
½ cup finely chopped tomatoes
1 cup mixed vegetables I used a mix of carrots, peas, green beans, corn kernels, cauliflower etc.
1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
½ teaspoon garam masala powder
½ teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon salt or to taste
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (fresh coriander leaves)

Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 20-30 minutes.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, green cardamoms, cloves, and bay leaf. Fry for 3-4 seconds until fragrant.
Add onions and cook until they becomes translucent, stirring frequently.
Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
Now add tomatoes and cook until they becomes soft and mushy.
Add mixed vegetables, chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Drain the water from the rice and add the soaked rice to the pan.
Add 1 and ½ cups of water and lime juice and stir gently.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Reduce the heat to low.
Cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5-10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with cilantro. Serve hot.

You can add veg protein-rich ingredients like cooked chickpeas, paneer, tofu, or tempeh.

You can also add sauteed shrimp, chicken, scrambled eggs, etc to this recipe.