Carrot rice, How to make carrot rice

Looking for a quick, tasty, and colorful South Indian meal? This carrot rice recipe is one of those humble yet comforting dishes that comes together in under 30 minutes. At Sandyathome, we love simple recipes that use pantry staples and transform them into something vibrant and satisfying — and this spiced carrot rice is exactly that!

Made with grated fresh carrots, fluffy cooked rice, crunchy peanuts, and aromatic South Indian spices, this dish is perfect for lunchboxes, busy weeknights, or even a light weekend lunch. It’s naturally vegetarian, easy to prepare, and a beautiful way to sneak in veggies.

Whether you’re searching for an easy carrot rice recipe, South Indian masala rice, or a vegetarian lunchbox idea, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive in and bring some color and flavor to your table!

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Ingredients Role

🌾 Rice – The base; fluffy Sona Masoori, Ponni, or Basmati gives the best light texture.
🥕 Carrot – Brings natural sweetness, color, and crunch.
🥜 Peanuts – Add nutty crunch and richness.
🌶 Green chilies & red chili powder – Provide gentle heat and spice.
🌿 Curry leaves & cumin seeds – Give that unmistakable South Indian aroma.
🧄 Ginger garlic paste – Deepens the flavor with a savory kick.
🌿 Cilantro – Freshens up the final dish with a burst of green.
🧂 Spices (coriander, garam masala) – Layer earthy, warming notes that elevate the rice beyond plain carrot rice.

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Carrot rice, How to make carrot rice

Recipe by Sandhya Riyaz

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Lunch / Main CourseCuisine: South IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Make Sandyathome’s spiced carrot rice with grated carrots, peanuts, and fragrant masalas — a quick, flavorful South Indian one-pot meal for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients to make Carrot Rice

1½ cups Rice (cooked, cooled, fluffy)
1 cup Carrot (grated)
1 teaspoon, Ginger garlic paste
2 nos. Green chili (slit)
1 teaspoon, Red chili powder
½ teaspoon, Garam masala powder
1 teaspoon, Coriander powder
Salt – to taste
1 tablespoon, Cilantro (coriander leaves) – for garnish
Ingredients for tempering
¼ teaspoon, Cumin seeds
10 nos. Peanuts
1 sprig, Curry leaves
2 tablespoon, Oil or ghee

Directions to make Carrot Rice

Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a fine grater. Finely chop the onions and make a neat slit in the green chilies to release their flavor without making the dish overly spicy.
Temper and Sauté Aromatics:
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. First, add the peanuts and fry them until they turn golden and crisp. Next, add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Toss in the curry leaves, chopped onions, and slit green chilies. Sauté everything together until the onions turn soft. Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the raw smell disappears and the mixture turns aromatic.
Final Step:
Add grated carrots and all the spice powders; sauté on low flame until the carrots are cooked. Toss in the cooked rice, add salt, and gently mix. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

* 1 cup = 250 ml

Directions TO MAKE CARROT RICE WITH STEP BY STEP IMAGES

Prepare the Vegetables:
Wash, peel, and grate the carrots using a fine grater. Finely chop the onions and make a neat slit in the green chilies to release their flavor without making the dish overly spicy.
Temper and Sauté Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. First, add the peanuts and fry them until they turn golden and crisp. Next, add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Toss in the curry leaves, chopped onions, and slit green chilies. Sauté everything together until the onions turn soft. Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the raw smell disappears and the mixture turns aromatic.
Final Step
Add grated carrots and all the spice powders; sauté on low flame until the carrots are cooked. Toss in the cooked rice, add salt, and gently mix. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor and texture, use Sona Masoori or Ponni raw rice — they give the perfect fluffy base. You can also use Basmati rice for a fragrant touch, but avoid using boiled rice as it can turn sticky and spoil the dish’s texture.
Use leftover rice for best results — fresh hot rice can turn mushy.
Add a squeeze of lemon at the end for a fresh zing.
Swap peanuts for cashews if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this spiced carrot rice with plain curd, cucumber raita, or crispy papad for a comforting, simple meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I make South Indian carrot rice with leftover cooked rice?

To make South Indian carrot rice with leftover rice, gently fluff the rice before mixing it with sautéed grated carrots, peanuts, and spices. Leftover rice works better because it’s dry and prevents the final dish from turning mushy.

2. Can I prepare spicy carrot rice for lunchboxes ahead of time?

Yes! Spicy carrot rice is a perfect make-ahead dish for lunchboxes. Prepare it in the morning and pack it once cooled — the spices will deepen in flavor as it rests, making it even tastier.

3. What are the best side dishes for carrot masala rice?

The best side dishes for carrot masala rice are simple cucumber raita, plain curd, or crispy papad. You can also pair it with a light potato fry or pickle for an extra flavor boost.

4. Can I make easy vegetarian carrot rice without onions or garlic?

Absolutely! For an easy vegetarian carrot rice without onions or garlic, skip the ginger garlic paste and use just cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies for flavor. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to mimic the umami depth.

5. How do I keep homemade carrot rice from getting soggy?

To keep homemade carrot rice from getting soggy, make sure to use cooled or leftover rice. Avoid overcooking the carrots — they should stay slightly crisp — and gently toss the rice into the masala to keep the grains separate.