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Vegan Masala Recipe
Masala Fried Rice with Turmeric Onion Raita
Masala fried rice gives leftover grains new life with vegetables, toasted spices and plenty of colour. A cool turmeric-onion raita makes a bright, creamy counterpoint.
Recipe by Craig LogueHow our recipes are created
30 minPrep: 15 minCook: 15 minServes 4Gluten-freeVegan
masala fried rice
From the kitchen
What to expect
This rice is a good way to use leftovers without making the meal feel secondary. The raita adds a cool, sharp contrast to the spiced vegetables and cumin.
Serving idea
Best served simply
Serve with the raita on the side and a simple cucumber salad or papad for a fuller meal.
Useful equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
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Cook the recipe
Method
- 1
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them crackle for about 1 minute.
- 2
Stir in 1/2 cup chopped onion, 4 cloves garlic, and 1 inch ginger. Cook for 3 minutes, until the onion softens and loses its raw edge.
- 3
Add 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne. Stir and cook for 1 minute so the spices bloom in the oil.
- 4
Add 1.5 to 2 cups chopped vegetables and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then pour in 1/4 cup water. Cook for 8 to 9 minutes, stirring now and then, until the harder vegetables begin to soften.
- 5
Stir in 1/2 cup carrot, 1 cup peppers, and 1/2 cup green peas. Cover and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- 6
Add 3 cups cooked rice and lemon juice to taste. Toss well, breaking up any clumps, and cook for 2 minutes until the rice is hot. Adjust with the remaining salt as needed, then take the pan off the heat and rest for 2 minutes.
- 7
While the rice cooks, whisk 1 cup plain unsweetened non-dairy yogurt with 1/4 cup water until smooth.
- 8
In a small saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds and cook until they pop, then add 6 curry leaves, if using, and 1/4 cup sliced onion. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens.
- 9
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for a few seconds, then add the yogurt mixture and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer gently for 2 minutes without letting it boil. Fold in chopped cilantro or mint if you like.
- 10
Serve the fried rice with the turmeric onion raita spooned over the top or passed at the table.
Gather everything first
Ingredients
- •1 teaspoon oil
- •1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- •1/2 cup chopped red or white onion
- •4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
- •1 inch ginger, minced (or 1 tablespoon ginger paste)
- •1 teaspoon ground coriander
- •1 teaspoon garam masala
- •1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular)
- •1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (or red chili powder)
- •1.5 to 2 cups chopped vegetables (like cauliflower, green beans, broccoli)
- •1/2 cup thinly sliced or chopped carrot
- •1 cup finely chopped peppers (red, green, or other)
- •1/2 cup green peas (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- •3 cups cooked rice (preferably basmati; 1 cup dry rice will yield about 3 cups cooked)
- •lemon juice, to taste
- •3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust as needed)
- •1 cup plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt
- •1/4 cup water
- •1 teaspoon oil
- •1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- •6 curry leaves (optional)
- •1/4 cup thinly sliced red or white onion
- •1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- •1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- •1/4 teaspoon salt
A few useful notes
Notes
- •Leftover rice works best when it is cold and a little dry, so the grains stay separate in the pan. Freshly cooked rice will turn soft unless you cool it first.
- •Keep the vegetables varied: some can hold their shape while others soften into the masala. That mix gives the rice better body and keeps it from feeling flat.
- •The raita should be gently heated, not boiled. If it gets too thick, loosen it with a spoonful of water before serving.
- •Store rice and raita separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the rice in a skillet with a splash of water; stir the raita well after chilling, then warm it slowly if you want it less cold.
Learn the technique
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