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Leftover rice is a common occurrence in many households, but it doesn't have to be boring or go to waste. With a little creativity and some basic pantry staples, you can transform that plain rice into delicious and satisfying Indian dishes that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. From hearty mains to delectable snacks, here are six easy and mouthwatering recipes to make the most of your leftover rice.
1. Vegetable Fried Rice:
There's something magical about a perfectly cooked bowl of vegetable fried rice. With vibrant colours, aromatic spices, and a medley of crunchy veggies, this dish is a delight for both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, peas, corn, etc.)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
Method:
1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until onions turn translucent.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
3. Stir in the leftover rice and mix well. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful vegetable fried rice.
2. Curd Rice:
Curd rice, also known as "Dahi Chawal," is a refreshing and comforting dish that is perfect for hot summer days. The tangy yoghourt and aromatic spices make this a favourite among many Indians.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 1 cup plain yoghourt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black lentils)
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- A few curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Method:
1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the yoghurt until smooth. Add the leftover rice to the yoghurt and mix well to combine.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add urad dal, green chilli, and curry leaves. Sauté until the dal turns golden brown.
4. Pour the tempering over the curd rice mixture and mix thoroughly.
5. Add salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve chilled and enjoy this cooling delight.
3. Rice Cutlets:
Leftover rice can be transformed into crispy and flavorful cutlets that make a fantastic snack or appetiser. These rice cutlets are packed with spices and veggies, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 1 cup boiled and mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, etc.)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for frying
Method:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover rice, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, onion, bread crumbs, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, red chilli powder, and salt.
2. Mix everything well until it forms a firm dough-like mixture.
3. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into a flat cutlet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the cutlets until they turn golden brown on both sides.
5. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Serve the crispy rice cutlets hot with your favourite chutney or sauce.
4. Lemon Rice:
Lemon rice is a zesty and tangy dish that is incredibly easy to prepare. It bursts with the flavours of lemon, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, giving your taste buds a delightful citrusy kick.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- A few curries leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- Roasted peanuts for garnish
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
2. Add curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add the leftover rice, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well to combine.
4. Squeeze the lemon juice over the rice and mix thoroughly, ensuring all the rice is coated.
5. Garnish with roasted peanuts for an extra crunch. Serve the tangy lemon rice as a standalone dish or as a side with your favourite curry.
5. Tawa Pulao:
If you're craving a taste of Mumbai street food, Tawa Pulao is the answer. This flavorful rice dish is a medley of vegetables, spices, and aromatic flavours cooked on a hot griddle, giving it a unique and irresistible taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon pav bhaji masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
1. Heat oil in a pan or tawa (griddle) over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are slightly tender.
4. Add the pav bhaji masala, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
5. Stir in the leftover rice and mix thoroughly until all the spices are evenly distributed.
6. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is heated through.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a side of raita or plain yoghourt.
6. Rice Kheer:
For a sweet ending to your leftover rice culinary adventure, rice kheer is the perfect dessert. This creamy and aromatic rice pudding is made with milk, and sugar, and flavoured with cardamom and saffron.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands
- Chopped nuts for garnish (almonds, pistachios, cashews, etc.)
Method:
1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
2. Add the leftover rice to the milk and continue cooking on low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring continuously to avoid sticking.
3. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the kheer thickens further.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool. The kheer will thicken more as it cools down.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts and serve chilled.
Don't let your leftover rice go to waste. These six creative Indian recipes will breathe new life into your rice and turn it into delightful and satisfying dishes. Whether you're craving a savoury meal or a sweet indulgence, these recipes are easy to make and will leave your taste buds wanting more. So, go ahead and get creative in the kitchen with your leftover rice and enjoy the flavours of India in every bite.
