Delicious Veg Fried Rice Recipe with a Tamilnadu Twist
Veg fried rice Tamilnadu style is a dish that melts in your mouth with every single bite. If you’re a fan of street food, like me, and want to recreate some of those tastes in your own kitchen, then this recipe is for you. The dish is a fusion of Indo-Chinese cuisine, blending the flavors of India and China together in one delicious meal.
Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also incredibly versatile and can be made with a variety of different ingredients. You can modify the dish to suit your individual taste buds, all while maintaining that quintessential Tamilnadu flavor.
At MadrasSamayal, they say that a perfect plate of veg fried rice should have equal proportions of protein, vegetables, and rice. That’s exactly what this recipe does! It’s the perfect balance between these three main components.
If you’re looking for a new and exciting recipe to try at home, then I invite you to give this recipe a go. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, there’s no reason not to give it a try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a Tamilnadu style veg fried rice recipe that will tantalize your taste buds with its savory flavors and textures. Whether you are a vegetarian or simply looking for a meatless option, this recipe will satisfy your hunger and leave you wanting more.
One reason why you’ll love this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily make substitutions or variations based on your preferences, making it suitable for any occasion or dietary restrictions. For instance, you can add chicken or egg to the recipe if you prefer non-vegetarian options.
Another reason why this recipe is worth trying is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients like basmati rice, fresh ginger, garlic, green onions, capsicum, cabbage, and carrot, you can transform humble rice into a flavorful and satisfying dish that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant.
The dish is infused with the flavors of soya sauce and vinegar that give it an authentic Indo-Chinese taste. The sesame oil adds richness to the dish while the olive oil used in stir-frying cooked rice brings out its nutty flavor.
Moreover, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy street-style food from Tamilnadu. It’s a dish popularized by Madras Samayal and many street food vendors across Tamilnadu. So not only will you be able to indulge in delicious food but also experience the cultural heritage of the region through this delectable dish.
Overall, if you are looking for an easy yet delicious way to whip up restaurant-style veg fried rice at home, look no further than this Tamilnadu-style veg fried rice recipe. It’s surely going to become your go-to recipe for quick weeknight dinners and casual weekend gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredient List
To create this flavorful and hearty Veg Fried Rice Tamilnadu Style Recipe, you’ll require the following ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 4 cups Finely Chopped Vegetables – Capsicum, Cabbage, Carrot, Green onions
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Soya sauce
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp finely minced garlic
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- Egg (optional)
- Chicken (optional)
Note: The quantity of vegetables can be added or reduced as per preference. Similarly, the addition of egg and chicken is optional.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Soaking the rice
First, rinse 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water that covers it by 1-2 inches for at least 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the rice
Next, in a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir well and let it cook on medium heat until it’s fully cooked and tender (for about 10-15 minutes). Once done, drain any remaining water and set aside.
Tip: You may add a teaspoon of olive oil or sesame oil to the pot before adding the rice as they add flavor to the recipe.
Making the Veg Fried Rice
Step 3: Preparing vegetables
To make the stir-fried vegetables for our rice, we’ll be using some basic vegetables – cabbage, capsicum (bell pepper), ginger, garlic, green onions, and grated carrot. First, clean and finely chop all these vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil or sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once heated, add freshly minced ginger and garlic, and fry for a few seconds until you smell their fragrance.
Next, add chopped green onions along with other vegetables including cabbage, capsicum, and grated carrot to the skillet. Fry them while tossing them lightly in oil for about 5 minutes each until they are tender.
Now that your veggies are stir-fried and ready to go, its time to add in your cooked basmati rice.
Tip: Use leftover rice if you have any from yesterday because it won’t become mushy when fried with veggies.
Add the cooked basmati rice to skillet pan with already fried vegetables mixture along with salt as needed. Sprinkle with black pepper and drizzle enough soya sauce and vinegar, according to taste preferences.
Toss all ingredients lightly again using two spoons over medium high heat until everything is evenly coated and hot through.
Your delicious veg fried rice is now ready to serve!
Tip: Garnish with fresh greens like coriander leaves or basil leaves for extra aesthetic appeal.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is how creative you can get with the ingredients. Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe according to your personal preferences or use any veggies that you have on hand. Here are some substitutions and variations that you may try:
– Basmati rice: This recipe works best with basmati rice, but you can also use jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier option.
– Vegetables: You can add any vegetables that you like to this dish. Try using peas, green beans, broccoli, or even corn for some color and crunch.
– Protein: Chicken or shrimp can be a good substitute for the egg in this recipe. Simply cook them before adding them to the stir-fry.
– Oil: Olive oil is a great healthy option, but you can also use sesame oil for added flavor or vegetable oil if that’s what you have on hand.
– Soya sauce and vinegar: If you don’t have soya sauce on hand, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. You can also substitute white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.
– Spices: If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes or chilli powder. Alternatively, add some garam masala or turmeric powder for an Indian-inspired twist.
Remember, cooking should be fun and experimental! Don’t hesitate to try out new flavors and textures with this dish. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Once your Tamilnadu-style vegetable fried rice is ready, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy the delicious aromas and flavors. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your preference. You can place a generous scoop of the rice on a plate, garnish it with fresh cilantro or green onions and serve it alongside some roasted or grilled vegetables for an ultimate vegetarian meal.
If you’re in the mood for some protein, you can pair this veggie fried rice alongside chicken. In fact, adding some shredded chicken to the recipe can take the taste of the dish to the next level. You could prepare some crispy chicken using Chinese-style spices and herbs that will complement the flavors of this Tamilnadu-style veggie fried rice.
Moreover, you could also enjoy your Tamil street food-inspired dish by pairing it with some spicy chili-cucumber raita or a tangy tomato chutney. Both these sides add a refreshing taste to this already easy-to-make and deliciously satisfying dish.
Alternatively, you could try serving this vegetable fried rice with other South Indian dishes like dosas, sambar, or Poriyal (vegetable stir-fry). This combination brings in varied textures and flavors while keeping it as authentic as possible.
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy your Tamilnadu-style vegetable fried rice hot off the pan! The heat from the pan upon serving enhances its flavors even more. It makes for an ideal accompaniment whether served as comfort food or for entertaining guests at dinner parties.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have prepared this veg fried rice Tamilnadu style recipe, you might have leftovers or would like to make-ahead for a quick meal. The great thing about this recipe is that it can be easily stored and reheated without losing its flavor and texture.
To store, transfer the leftover rice into an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately. It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Do not keep it for longer than that as the quality of the dish will deteriorate with time and may become unsafe to eat.
When you are ready to reheat, place the desired amount of rice in a microwave-safe bowl or pan with a few tablespoons of water. Cover it with a damp lid or paper towel and heat it in the microwave on high for approximately 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can also reheat it in a pan on low heat by adding a splash of olive oil or sesame oil.
If you are planning to make-ahead or store this veg fried rice Tamilnadu style recipe for future use, it’s essential to cook the rice correctly. Cooked basmati rice tends to dry out faster than other rice varieties, leading to tough grains and loss of moisture. To avoid this, soak 1 cup of basmati rice for at least 20 minutes before cooking. Then add 2 cups of water and cook the rice as per instructions.
To add some personal touch or variety, your leftover veg fried rice can also be used for stir-fry dishes by adding some chicken or eggs, Chinese chicken or Madras Samayal spices.
No matter if you want to make-ahead or store leftovers, reheat or try new variations, this easy delicious fried rice recipe is perfect for novice cooks who love Tamil Nadu street food, restaurant-style veg fried rice made with fresh vegetables packed with flavor and nutrition!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Tamilnadu style vegetable fried rice turns out perfect every single time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, it’s important to use the right kind of rice. Basmati rice is commonly used in Asian cuisine, and is well suited to making fried rice. Once you’ve cooked the rice, let it cool down completely before starting on the dish. This will help prevent clumping and sticking.
The key to getting the distinct flavor of vegetable fried rice lies in the stir-frying technique. It’s best to cook each ingredient separately and then combine them all at once towards the end. This ensures that each component has enough time to cook through properly without becoming overcooked or undercooked.
Another crucial element of this recipe is using fresh ingredients. Finely minced garlic, ginger, and green onions should all be used as they will add depth of flavor to your dish. Using old or stale vegetables could negatively impact the taste and texture of the final product.
When cooking with sesame oil, make sure that you use it sparingly because it can be overpowering. Olive oil is another good option for those who prefer a lighter taste.
When it comes to seasoning, be careful not to go overboard on soy sauce or vinegar as they both have a strong flavor. Remember that you can always add more later, but it’s difficult to take away if you’ve already added too much.
Lastly, don’t forget to give your fried rice a little bit of extra love by garnishing it with some chopped cilantro, scallions or sprouts for added freshness and crunch.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make an authentic Tamilnadu style veg fried rice dish that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this veg fried rice Tamilnadu style recipe is a sure winner for all occasions. It is easy to prepare, requires just a few readily available ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste. Using basmati rice adds a unique flavor and aroma to the dish that you will surely cherish.
Don’t forget to follow the tips and recommendations that we have shared with you, such as soaking the rice before cooking it and stir-frying the vegetables over high heat. With these tips in mind, you will achieve perfect results every time.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with variations on this recipe by adding different vegetables, proteins or spices. You could even try brown rice or other rice varieties to create your own unique twist.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and make this delicious veg fried rice Tamilnadu style recipe today! Indulge in the delectable flavor profile reminiscent of street food from madras samayal or restaurant-style from Chinese cuisine. This will truly be a dish you will want to make time and time again.
Veg Fried Rice Tamilnadu Style Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon oil, for cooking rice
- 1/4 cup finely chopped beans
- 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/4 cup finely chopped capsicum
- 2 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger
- 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil or 2 1/2 tablespoons refined oil
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 -3 teaspoons soya sauce
- salt and black pepper (I used white pepper powder)
Instructions
- Soak Basmati rice for 15 minutes and cook adding 1 1/2 cups of boiling water and a tsp of oil. Fluff it with a fork and spread it on a plate to cool.The cooked grains should be separate.
- Finely chop beans, carrot, capsicum and spring onion greens.
- Mince garlic and ginger.
- Shred cabbage into thin fine strip.
- Method.
- Heat oil in a pan, when the oil is very hot, add garlic and ginger, saute for a few seconds.Then add beans and fry for a few seconds, followed by carrot, cabbage, capsicum and spring onion greens. (Add vegetables in the same order).
- All the vegetables should be sauteed on high flame and continuous stirring is necessary as we want the vegetables to be crunchy and not fully cooked.
- Add cooked rice, soya sauce, vinegar, needed salt and pepper. Mix well and serve hot.
- Note.
- The whole procedure should be done on high flames.
- Chopping the vegetables finely is very important.
- I did not add soya sauce as I prefer to have without it but you can add soya sauce according to your taste to make it more Chinese.
- Adding finely chopped mushrooms along with vegetables makes it even more delicious.
- Using olive oil adds more flavor but you can also use any refined oil. Buy Olive oil which is meant for cooking purpose.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.