Fried Rice Recipe Vegetarian Indian Style Made Easy

Indian vegetarian fried rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the best of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables in a single pot. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is not only easy to make but also highly customizable.

By using simple pantry staples alongside colorful veggies, you can whip up a delicious dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in Indian cuisine, this fried rice recipe offers a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more. Plus, it’s completely vegetarian, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal packed with Indian flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian Indian fried rice recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, balanced meal without compromising on flavor. It combines the nuttiness of basmati rice with the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables and the aromatic warmth of Indian spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric.

It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy days. The recipe is also very forgiving, allowing you to swap vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, meaning fewer dishes to wash!

And if you love exploring vegetarian dishes, don’t miss our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for more Indian-inspired meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice (preferably chilled overnight)
• 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or mustard oil works well)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, beans, finely chopped)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Optional: roasted cashews or peanuts for garnish

Equipment

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Bowl for mixing

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Use cooked basmati rice that has been chilled for at least a few hours or overnight. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy when fried.
2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chili. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add vegetables: Toss in the mixed vegetables and chopped tomato. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Spice it up: Sprinkle turmeric powder, garam masala, red chili powder (if using), and salt over the veggies. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly in the spices.
6. Combine rice and veggies: Add the chilled rice to the skillet. Using a spatula, gently fold the rice into the vegetable mixture, making sure not to mash the grains. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat through and blend the flavors.
7. Finish with freshness: Turn off the heat and stir in fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle roasted cashews or peanuts on top if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes or enjoy as a wholesome meal on its own.

Tips & Variations

For the best texture, always use chilled rice rather than freshly cooked rice.

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on the season or availability. For added protein, toss in some cooked chickpeas or paneer cubes.

If you want a lighter version, reduce oil or substitute with a splash of vegetable broth for sautéing. For extra flavor, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) when frying cumin seeds.

To explore more Indian vegetarian dishes, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Celery Recipes Vegetable Indian Style: Easy & Tasty Ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian Indian fried rice pairs beautifully with a side of cooling raita or a tangy pickle to balance the spices. You can also serve it alongside a simple dal (lentil curry) for a more filling meal.

For a complete Indian-inspired feast, try it with freshly made chapati or naan. If you’re in the mood for fusion, a dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of fresh lime complements the dish wonderfully.

Looking to expand your vegetarian meal options? Don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat to round out your meal.

Conclusion

Vegetarian Indian fried rice is a versatile and flavorful dish that can quickly become a staple in your kitchen. With its blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and fluffy basmati rice, it offers a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

The recipe’s simplicity means you can whip it up any day of the week, making it perfect for busy lifestyles.

Moreover, its flexibility allows you to customize the ingredients based on your preferences and what’s available in your pantry. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish will impress with its delightful taste and aroma.

Be sure to explore other vegetarian recipes on the site to continue your culinary journey, like our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Fried Rice Recipe Vegetarian Indian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful and easy-to-make Indian-style vegetarian fried rice loaded with vegetables and aromatic spices. Perfect as a quick meal or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT20M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cooked basmati rice (preferably chilled)”, “1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, finely chopped)”, “2 tbsp oil (vegetable or mustard oil)”, “1 tsp cumin seeds”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 green chilies, slit”, “1 tsp ginger-garlic paste”, “1/2 tsp turmeric powder”, “1/2 tsp garam masala”, “Salt to taste”, “2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves”, “1 tbsp lemon juice”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and green chilies; saut\u00e9 until golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ginger-garlic paste and saut\u00e9 for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in turmeric, garam masala, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cooked rice and mix gently to combine all ingredients.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Turn off heat and add lemon juice and coriander leaves.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix well and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “40 g”}}