Carrot Rice | Quick Lunch Box Ideas

Once the school year is started,its not easy to crack our heads (as moms) everyday to find out what's for tomorrow's lunch box to school.My worry starts the previous day itself and most of the time my husband makes fun of this.He says as a blogger I shouldn't be short of ideas for feeding kids.Though its not being short of ideas,kids always demand new variations to the same old rice or other Indian staples.Each time a new dish with a new look is pleasing to them and I think as a father he will never understand that.Its always moms who try to impress them with delectable lunch boxes.This is a simple quick fix rice that can be made in the morning itself if you have chopped carrots ready in hand and pack kids a healthy one pot meal.This is not only for kids but can be made on your weekends as well to finish work early.Do try & enjoy !!!

Ingredients
basmati rice 1 cup
water 1 3/4 cup
salt

carrots 2 chopped small
onion 1 sliced moon size
garlic crushed 1tsp
turmeric powder 1/2 tsp
garam masala 1/2 tsp
pepper powder 1/2 tsp
mint leaves 2 tbsp
cilantro 2tbsp
thick coconut milk 1/4 cup (2-3 tbsp)
oil /ghee 2-3 tbsp
  
to garnish
cashews 1tbsp(optional)
raisins 1 tbsp(optional)

Watch on YouTube -

Method

• Wash and soak the rice for 15-20 mins.
• Heat a cooker on low medium flame,add oil.When hot fry the cashews and raisins.Drain on a plate.
• Add the sliced onions and fry till golden brown,add a pinch of salt to make it faster.
• Add the crushed garlic and saute.Add the chopped carrots and saute for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the spice powders and saute till raw smell disappears.
• Add the water,adjust salt and bring to boil.
• When water starts boiling,add the coconut milk,mix well and then add the soaked rice.Give a quick toss and cover with lid.
• Leave it covered on medium flame for 10 mins until it gets 3/4th cooked.
• Fluff with a fork,add the chopped mint and cilantro.Garnish with fried raisins and cashews.
• Serve warm with biriyani chutney,pickle & pappad or just like that,tastes good !!

NOTES
* Adding coconut milk adds to the soft texture of rice and sweet taste too.
* Add spices as per tolerance.This is mildly spicy as kids don't like more spicy version.Also,coconut milk reduces spiceness.
* Adding water to cook rice is as per packet instructions.

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