Hello there and welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, I have a delicious and fragrant recipe for Indian Zucchini Rice. This dish is a wonderful fusion of rice, zucchini, and aromatic Indian spices that will surely tantalize your taste buds. It’s also very easy to cook using a rice cooker and makes for a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. So, let’s get started and learn how to make this delicious dish step by step! We’ve made this indian zucchini rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

indian zucchini rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 3 cloves
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a heavy bottomed pan and add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 bay leaf, 3 cloves, 3 cardamom pods, and 1 cinnamon stick. Fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 chopped medium onion, 1 chopped green chili, and 1/2 tsp grated ginger. Fry until onion is golden brown.
  4. Add 1 diced medium zucchini and fry for a few minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup basmati rice and salt to taste. Fry for a minute or two.
  6. Add 2 cups water and bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
  8. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

indian zucchini rice

How long does indian zucchini rice last in the fridge?

Indian zucchini rice can generally be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days after it has been cooked. To ensure that it stays fresh for as long as possible, it is important to store the rice in an airtight container to help prevent spoilage and contamination. It is also important to cool the rice quickly after it has been cooked to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. When you are ready to reheat the rice, make sure to do so thoroughly, either in a microwave or on the stove, until it is piping hot all the way through before serving.

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Low calorie indian zucchini rice recipe substitutions

To make this recipe lower in calories, some easy substitutions include replacing the basmati rice with cauliflower rice, reducing the amount of oil used to cook the onions and zucchini, and omitting the cardamom pods and cinnamon stick, as they are used mostly for flavor purposes. Additionally, you could substitute low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free option for the traditional garnish of fresh coriander leaves to make the dish even lower in calories. These simple substitutions can greatly reduce the overall calorie content of the dish while still keeping its Indian flavors intact.

What to serve with a indian zucchini rice?

Indian zucchini rice is a flavorful and spicy dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. To complement the bold flavors of the dish, you may want to serve it with a cooling side dish such as a cucumber and yogurt raita or a colorful salad made with fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette. Naan bread or papadum could also be served alongside the rice to add some additional texture and crunch to the dish. A refreshing beverage like mint lassi or mango lassi could complete the meal, offering a sweet and cool way to balance the heat of the spices.

Whats the best sauce for a indian zucchini rice?

The best sauce to go with Indian zucchini rice is raita. Raita is a traditional Indian yogurt-based sauce that complements the spices used in Indian cooking. To make raita, mix yogurt with chopped cucumber, chopped mint leaves, salt, and cumin powder. This sauce has a cooling effect on the palate and balances the heat from the rice, making it a perfect accompaniment to spiced dishes like Indian zucchini rice. The combination of the flavorful rice and the refreshing raita creates a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Indian zucchini rice health benefits

Indian zucchini rice is a healthy and nutritious recipe that offers several health benefits. Zucchini is high in fiber, which helps to improve digestion and aids in weight loss. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and potassium, which help to keep the immune system strong and healthy. Furthermore, Indian zucchini rice is cooked with healthy ingredients like brown rice and Indian spices such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which offer several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.If you are looking for an even healthier recipe, I recommend trying a roasted vegetable quinoa bowl. It is packed with nutrients, fiber and protein, and is easy to make. Simply roast your favorite vegetables with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss them with cooked quinoa and a flavorful dressing. You can customize the recipe with your favorite veggies and herbs to make it even more delicious!

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