Masala Rice Recipe | Vegetable Spiced Rice | Spiced Rice with Leftover Rice with detailed photo and video recipe. A flavoured and spicy rice recipe prepared with dry spices and vegetables. It is a one-pot meal and hence an ideal lunchbox recipe, and is easily appreciated by kids and all age groups. The rice is infused with spices and masala with a choice of veggies, and hence served by itself or tastes great with raita recipes.
Cooking masala rice is very simple, with no complicated steps. Basically, the recipe is very similar to the traditional pulao recipe prepared across India. But the spiced rice may contain more spices and flavours compared to the pulao recipes. But obviously, it depends entirely on the type of pulav or pilaf recipe from the particular region being compared. The pulao recipes I have posted use fewer spices and feature a hero ingredient such as pudina, coriander, or methi. But each region has its own way of cooking pulav, and it may differ. Moreover, in this recipe, I have used basic spices available in every kitchen.
While the masala rice recipe is extremely simple, there are some tips and variations to consider when preparing. Firstly, I would highly recommend adding any vegetables you like while preparing it. Most commonly, veggies are added while preparing them, which helps lower the temperature from the added spice, but it is not mandatory. Secondly, you should be good with basmati rice to prepare this spiced vegetable rice. Alternatively, you can use sona masuri or any common edible rice; it should be good too. Lastly, I have used precooked rice, but you can also prepare it in a cooker by mixing water, rice, and a spice mixture.
Finally, do visit my other similar Rice Recipes collection for breakfast and lunch, along with this post on the masala rice recipe. It includes recipes such as capsicum rice, fried rice, veg pulao, coriander rice, methi pulao, dum biryani, paneer pulav, channa pulao, and paneer biryani. In addition to these do visit my other similar recipe collections like
About Masala Rice
Masala Rice is a classic go-to meal that works well every day. Instead of fancy ingredients, it relies on common veggies and everyday spices for a bold taste in just one pot. When mornings get hectic, this dish saves time since it requires little prep. Either toss in leftover rice or start fresh by cooking raw rice right with the vegetables. The smell of veggies sizzling with spices grabs you right away – simple, warm, real. Packed with carbs, roughage, plus good stuff your body needs – it keeps things steady. Works just as well for kids as it does for adults, and slides neatly into a container for midday eats. Fills you up, tastes solid, no extras needed on the plate. One bowl, zero fuss – one shot at easy eating that actually feeds you.
This rice dish wins over busy couples thanks to its fast cooking time. It takes about 20 minutes for the grains to turn tender and light, good for taking along. Fresh veggies give it taste, while seasonings spread through without clumps. You can switch up the vegetables anytime, depending on what’s around. It stays tasty for hours and still hits the spot when eaten warm or cold. This dish fits into a healthy lunch routine – no hassle needed. A touch of spice makes it good for kids but also enjoyable for grown-ups. Perfect for eating on the go, especially when time is tight. All in all, one of the simplest solid rice meals for any weekday.
Fun Fact:
Many canteens in South India serve Masala Rice made entirely from leftover cooked rice to avoid food wastage while keeping the meal flavourful and fresh.
Chef Tips for Masala Rice Pulao
The classic lunchbox Masala Rice Pulao with Leftover Rice is a quick one-pot meal made with basic vegetables and simple spices. It delivers a balanced and wholesome lunch without the need for extra sides.
- Long Grain: Separate the grains before mixing. This keeps the rice light and prevents clumping.
- Sauté Vegetables: Cook the vegetables on medium heat. Proper sautéing brings out flavour and keeps them crisp.
- Adding Spices: Mix the masala powders while sautéing. Early seasoning helps the rice absorb flavour evenly.
- Moisture: Sprinkle only a little water when mixing leftover rice. This prevents sogginess and keeps the rice fluffy.
- Herbs Mix: Add coriander leaves at the end. Fresh herbs brighten the flavour and make the rice aromatic.
FAQs
- How do I prevent the rice from turning mushy?
Use cooled or leftover rice and fluff it gently. Add it only after the vegetables and spices are cooked. - Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, spread the hot rice onto a plate and let it cool completely. This helps the grains stay separate. - How can I increase the nutritional value of masala rice?
Add vegetables like peas, beans, carrots, and corn. Mix in roasted peanuts for extra protein and crunch. - Can I pack masala rice for kids?
Yes, reduce the spice level and keep the vegetables soft. Add a small spoon of ghee for extra flavour. - What can I serve with masala rice?
Serve it with curd, raita, or plain papad. These simple sides complement the flavours well.
Video Recipe
Recipe Card for Masala Rice
Masala Rice Pulao Recipe - Lunch Box Special
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp cumin / jeera
- ½ tsp saunf / fennel
- pinch asafoetida / hing
- few curry leaves
- ½ tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 green chilli, slit
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- ½ carrot, chopped
- 2 tbsp peas / matar
- 3 beans, chopped
- ¼ capsicum, chopped
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¾ tsp kashmiri red chilli powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala
- 2 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp coriander, finely chopped
Instructions
- firstly, in a large kadai heat 1 tbsp ghee and splutter 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp saunf, pinch asafoetida and few curry leaves.
- now add ½ tsp ginger garlic paste, 1 green chilli and ½ onion. saute well.
- additionally, add 1 tomato and saute till tomatoes turn soft & mushy.
- further add chopped vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- now add ¼ tsp turmeric, ¾ tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder and ½ tsp garam masala.
- saute until the spices start to release oil.
- furthermore, add 2 cups cooked rice and 1 tsp salt.
- mix gently without breaking rice grains.
- cover and simmer for 4 minutes.
- finally, add coriander leaves and serve masala rice with raita or pack to a lunch box.
How to Make Masala Rice with Step-by-step Photos
- Firstly, in a large kadai, heat 1 tbsp ghee and splutter 1 tsp mustard, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp saunf, pinch asafoetida and a few curry leaves.
- Now add ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 green chilli, and ½ onion. saute well.
- Additionally, add 1 tomato and saute till the tomatoes turn soft & mushy.
- Further add chopped vegetables such as ½ carrot, 2 tbsp peas, 3 beans, and ¼ capsicum.
- Sauté for a minute. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Now add ¼ tsp turmeric, ¾ tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder and ½ tsp garam masala.
- Sauté till the spices start to release oil.
- Furthermore, add 2 cups of cooked rice and 1 tsp of salt.
- Mix gently without breaking rice grains.
- Cover and simmer for 4 minutes, or until the rice absorbs all the flavours.
- Finally, add coriander leaves, then serve masala rice with raita, or pack it in a lunch box.
Notes
- First, add your choice of vegetables to make it healthier and tastier.
- Additionally, cook the vegetables before adding the rice, as rice can turn mushy if overcooked.
- Furthermore, adding vegetables is completely optional. For an instant version, just skip vegetables.
- Finally, the masala rice recipe tastes great when prepared slightly spicy.