Curry Vegetable Basmati Rice
My Curry Vegetable Basmati Rice recipe is a vibrant and aromatic one-pot dish that combines basmati rice with Indian spices. It is loaded with a garden-fresh mix of cauliflower, green beans and peas. Vegetarian and gluten-free.
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Butter
- Onion
- Red pepper
- Cauliflower
- Green beans
- Garlic
- Basmati rice
- Fresh ginger
- Ground turmeric
- Ground coriander
- Cumin
- Ground cardamom
- Salt
- Frozen peas
What is basmati rice?
Basmati rice is a long-grain, aromatic rice traditionally grown in India and Pakistan. It’s known for its fragrant, slightly nutty aroma and light, fluffy texture when cooked – each grain stays separate instead of clumping together.
Toasting rice
Toasting the rice gives it a chance to develop a lovely, nutty flavor—this is the same method I use for my Toasted Coconut Rice. You can also use brown rice.
Cooking rice with spices
This method packs so much flavor into every bite, and because the veggies are cooked right in, this is the only side dish you need. I sometimes make this with my own Indian Spice Blend.
Optional additions
- Fresh cilantro/fresh coriander
- Cooked carrots
- Cooked broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Nutty cashews
What to serve with basmati rice
- Indian Vegetable Curry – A hearty, plant-based curry loaded with vegetables and warm spices.
- Chicken Tikka Masala – A classic Indian, tomato based-curry.
- Indian Spice Rubbed Chicken Thighs – Indian spiced chicken thighs that pair beautifully with curry rice.
- Coconut Curry Salmon – Salmon filets poached in a creamy coconut curry sauce.
Using leftovers
This Curry Vegetable Basmati Rice would make the best Indian-style fried rice using the leftovers. Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 whisked eggs and stir breaking up the eggs. Add the leftover rice, stir and cook until the rice is heated, browned and crispy. add protein.
Storing leftover rice
Curry Vegetable Basmati Rice
Video
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) onion, chopped
- 6 ounces (170 grams) red pepper, chopped
- 3 ounces (84 grams) cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 3 ounces (84 grams) green beans, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 cup (105 grams) basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (140 grams) frozen peas
Instructions
- To a large frying pan heat the butter over medium heat. When melted and slightly bubbling, add the onions, red pepper, cauliflower and green beans. Sauté until softened, about 10 minutes.
- Add the garlic, rice, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cardamom (spices are listed as curry powder in the video) and salt. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Add 2 cups (472 ml) water, mix well. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Add a little more water if needed. Stir in the peas and serve.
Thank You so much for sharing this amazing dish, I didn’t have cauliflower so I’ve switched it with sweet potato and it came out so delicious.
Thank you, I’m happy you enjoyed it. That’s the beauty of this dish, you can customize as you like.
Didn’t say how much rice to use fir the recioe posted above
1 cup (105 grams), it’s listed below the garlic
If u choose to use curry powder instead of individual spices how much do I use
I haven’t tried the recipe using store bought curry powder so I can’t say exactly how much you would need, but I would estimate around 2 teaspoons. I hope this helps.
Authentically Amazing!!!! Don’t think that there is curry in the rice, there actually isn’t. The spices are an AMAZING mix tho and they just call it “curry” spice mix. Me and my twin both moaned with yum mines in Every bite!!! Definitely pair it with the “Indian spiced rubbed chicken thighs” for maximum deliciousness!!!! 😛 :P. If you don’t have certain veggies, just throw in what you got! Anything works because the spiced rice is that amazing! I used snap peas and tomatoes. Or celery and green beans from garden! Also if don’t have red pepper, a small pinch of red pepper flakes works just as well! ENJIY! I ENVY YOUR FIRST BITE!!!
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, any of your favorite veggies will work.
Help!? What am I missing?
I made this in an instant pot and tripled the recipe (so I can understand that the recipe would need to be tweaked a little) but I used 2/3 the amount of water and it was still mushy.
What is the goal consistency?
I haven’t tested this recipe in the instant pot so I can’t say, sorry.
Thank you for the recipe! Does this double well for 10 people?
Yes, the recipe doubles well. Enjoy.
The rice in the dish is added after its been soaked or added unwashed? Thanks
The rice is added after rinsing. You can soak if you wish to shorten cooking time, but the cooking time of the rice is written without soaking. I hope this helps, let me know if you have any more questions and enjoy.
Thank you so, so much!! I added chick peas and my granddaughter couldn’t get enough.
Sharon J
Thank you so much for the feedback. I love the idea of adding chickpeas.
Can I use a red or green curry paste instead?
I have not tried the recipe using curry paste so I can’t say if it would or would not work. I’m sorry I can’t be more help.
Loved this rice recipe, served with a chicken and beef curry and it was delicious. Just checking apart from the spices added do you add curry powder as well, not listed in ingredient list.
I’m so happy you liked the recipe. Curry powder is actually a blend of spices depending on the culture of the dish, so the blend used in this recipe is actually a curry powder blend. Some curry recipes call for more spices and some less depending on the dish. Thanks.
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I love this curry recipe. The broccoli is definitely not in your average pilau recipe, but, I like it. Basmati rice is so perfect too. I completely agree with your opinion on Basmati rice. There is nothing in this world that can come close to it.
A great veggie side dish. a family favorite in my house.
This is a perfect rice side dish or would serve as a meal all by itself. Wonderful flavors.
I love the flavors you combined in this dish and can’t wait to try it!
Curry rice sounds amazing! I love how fresh this one is! Pinning of course 🙂
Thank you Mira.
This sounds like the perfect side dish. I love a good rice and this has it all! Beautiful flavors and color 🙂
Thank you so much Nicole.
Fantastic flavors in this dish! It’s almost like an Indian-style paella, just brilliant! I love rice – I’ll eat it 6 ways to Sundays… looks like I have another way to prepare it, thanks! 😉
I never thought of an Indian style paella, you’re right. Thank you Kathleen.
Oh, I do love all the flavors. I mix it up depending on seasonal veggies.
Thank you so much
This looks delicious, Janette! Basmati rice is such a delicious rice to work with and I love all the veggies!
Thank you April, it’s my new favorite rice dish 🙂
My wife eat this as a meal (she’s a vegetairan, thank you for a great recipe.
Thanks