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!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Add the frozen peas and cooked lentils or black beans. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 9

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.

Step 10

Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture steam for 5 minutes.

Step 11

Remove from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice.

Step 12

Fluff the rice with a fork, taste for seasoning, and adjust if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1768 grams (1768.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1116

Total Fat 32.90g	42%
Saturated Fat 18.30g	92%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 72mg	24%
Sodium 2457mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 170.60g	62%
Dietary Fiber 34.00g	121%
Total Sugars 24.60g
Protein 41.20g	82%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 284mg	22%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 2132mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 25.9%

Protein: 14.4%

Carbs: 59.7%