If you’re craving a simple yet flavorful meal that bursts with vibrant colors and authentic Bengali flavors, look no further than this delightful Bengali Veg Fried Rice recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish combines fragrant basmati rice with an array of fresh vegetables and subtle spices that truly celebrate the essence of Bengali cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, the step-by-step video tutorials accompanying this recipe make it incredibly easy to master.
What makes Bengali Veg Fried Rice special is its balance of texture and taste — from the crunchy veggies to the aromatic mustard oil and mild spices. This recipe is not only vegetarian but also adaptable to suit your preferences, making it a wholesome, nutritious option for the entire family.
Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover rice and vegetables in a deliciously satisfying way. Dive in and explore the magic of Bengali flavors in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bengali Veg Fried Rice is a perfect blend of simplicity and authenticity. It’s:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with colorful vegetables and aromatic spices.
- Flavorful: The use of mustard oil and traditional Bengali spices gives it a distinct taste.
- Customizable: You can swap vegetables to fit your fridge or dietary preferences.
- Great for leftovers: A fantastic way to reinvent leftover rice and veggies.
Additionally, the accompanying recipe videos make it easy to follow along and achieve perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice (preferably chilled)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, bell peppers, finely chopped)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/4 cup roasted cashew nuts (optional, for crunch)
Equipment
- Large non-stick frying pan or wok
- Wooden spatula or silicone spoon
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving bowl
- Strainer (if rinsing rice)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: If you haven’t done so already, cook the basmati rice according to package instructions. Spread it out on a plate and let it cool completely to avoid mushy fried rice.
- Heat the mustard oil: In a large wok or frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil over medium heat until it starts to smoke lightly. This step brings out the nutty flavor of the oil.
- Tempering spices: Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onions and green chilies. Cook until the onions turn translucent and slightly golden.
- Add ginger-garlic paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Cook vegetables: Toss in the mixed vegetables and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the veggies are tender but still crisp.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle turmeric powder and garam masala over the vegetables. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Add rice: Gently fold in the cooked rice, mixing carefully to combine without breaking the grains. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to heat through.
- Finish with cashews and garnish: If using, stir in roasted cashew nuts for a delightful crunch. Finally, sprinkle chopped coriander leaves over the top.
- Serve hot: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy your aromatic Bengali Veg Fried Rice with your favorite sides or chutneys.
Tips & Variations
“Use chilled leftover rice for the best texture to prevent your fried rice from becoming mushy.”
- Mustard oil: This is a key ingredient for authentic Bengali flavor, but if you don’t have it, use vegetable or sunflower oil.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add corn, mushrooms, cauliflower, or broccoli according to your taste.
- Protein boost: Toss in some cooked tofu cubes or paneer for a protein-rich version.
- Heat level: Adjust green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder to customize spiciness.
- Herbs: Fresh mint or basil can be added for a refreshing twist.
- Video guidance: Check out our detailed Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration on vegetable-rich dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 52 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Bengali Veg Fried Rice pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Simple cucumber raita: A cooling yogurt dip that balances the spices.
- Tomato chutney: Adds a tangy, sweet contrast.
- Pickled vegetables: For an extra zing.
- Dal tadka: Lentil soup to make a wholesome meal.
For more easy vegetarian meal ideas that complement this rice, try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert or check out Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for hearty mains.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this Bengali Veg Fried Rice recipe is a fantastic choice. Its vibrant veggies, aromatic spices, and authentic mustard oil flavor make it a memorable meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
The ease of preparation combined with the option to customize vegetables ensures this dish can be adapted to suit any palate or dietary need.
Thanks to the helpful recipe videos, even beginners can confidently make this delightful fried rice with ease. As you master this recipe, feel free to experiment with different veggies or spice levels to create your signature Bengali-inspired fried rice.
Don’t forget to explore our other delicious vegetarian recipes like Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to expand your culinary repertoire!
📖 Recipe Card: Bengali Veg Fried Rice
Description: A flavorful Bengali-style vegetable fried rice with aromatic spices and fresh veggies. Perfect as a quick and delicious meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, slit
- 1/2 cup carrot, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Cook rice with 3 cups water until fluffy; set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds until they splutter.
- Add onion, garlic, ginger, and green chili; sauté until golden.
- Add carrots, peas, and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in turmeric powder and salt.
- Add cooked rice and soy sauce; mix gently to combine.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on medium heat.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 40 g
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