If your family loves rice as much as mine, this Carrot Rice Recipe is about to become a weekly regular. It’s simple, colorful, and a fun way to get those veggies in—without anyone complaining at the dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking up a simple weeknight dinner or planning a make-ahead lunch, this healthy rice dish delivers. Inspired by Indian carrot rice but simplified for busy families, it’s a versatile and tasty way to use up extra carrots and level up your plain white rice.
Want more veggie-packed ideas? Try my Spinach Rice Casserole with Feta, Cauliflower Pizza Crust, or Beet Sweet Potato Salad!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Veggie-packed and flavorful – great for picky eaters or anyone who loves a pop of color on the plate.
- Quick and customizable – perfect as a last-minute side or easy meal prep base.
- One-pot friendly – less mess, more time for, well… literally anything else.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Grated Carrots – They melt right into the rice, bringing sweetness and a soft texture kids actually like.
- Cooked Rice – You can use white, brown, or even leftover rice—whatever you have on hand works great.
- Garlic & Onion – A quick sauté of these two adds a base layer of flavor that makes this feel extra savory.
- Spices – Think cumin, turmeric, or curry powder if you want a spiced rice recipe vibe—or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Spice it up with garam masala or a pinch of chili powder for an Indian carrot rice flair.
- Toss in peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers for extra veg power.
- Use basmati or jasmine rice for more aroma and flavor.
- Make it a meal by adding chickpeas, grilled tofu, or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Swap garlic and onion for shallots or leeks if that’s what you’ve got.
This also makes a fantastic lunchbox filler or quick dinner base—serve it with my Air Fryer Asparagus with Parmesan or Mango Chicken Salad for a complete plate.
🔪 How To Make Carrot Rice
- Step 1: Prepare your rice while you prep the remaining ingredients. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until the seeds pop.
- Step 2: Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Mix in grated carrots. Sprinkle curry or sambar powder and turmeric. Add two cinnamon sticks for flavor. Pour in three tablespoons of water to
- Step 3: Gently fold the cooked rice into the carrot mixture, ensuring not to break the grains.
- Step 4: Mix in ghee or melted butter for flavor and shine, serve carrot rice with cilantro garnish, and optionally top with cinnamon sticks for aroma.
💡Hint: Got leftover rice? Let it come to room temp before adding so it mixes more evenly and doesn’t clump.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Grate carrots fine if serving little ones—they blend right in and are easier to eat.
- Use day-old rice for the best texture (less sticky, more separate grains).
- Season in layers—add salt when cooking the carrots, then again with the rice to build flavor.
💭 FAQs
Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier version. Keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time, so adjust your cooking process accordingly.
Yes, to make vegan carrot rice, simply use oil instead of butter or ghee and ensure that any broth used is vegetable-based. This modification will keep the dish plant-based without compromising flavor.
Fresh, firm carrots are the best for this recipe. They should be bright in color and free of blemishes. Avoid overly large carrots as they can be tough and woody in texture.
Both! It makes a hearty base for protein or a colorful side for curries, grilled meats, or roasted veggies.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- With Thin Sliced Chicken Breast or Tofu for an easy dinner.
- In a lunchbox with a hard-boiled egg and fruit.
- Topped with a fried egg and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Next to dal or chickpea curry for an Indian-inspired meal.
- Serve with Jamaican Beef Stew. The mild flavor of the rice can help balance the intensity of spicy dishes.
- Alongside my Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken for a light yet satisfying combo.
- Served cold as part of a veggie bowl with beet hummus and greens.
🍽 More Tasty Rice Dishes
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Best Carrot Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Carrot Grated
- 1 Onion
- 1 Green Chili
- 1 Pinch Salt
- 1 teaspoon Curry Powder
- 1 teaspoon Sambar Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1 tablespoon Melted Butter Or Ghee
- teaspoon Chopped Cilantro For garnish
- 2 Cinnamon Sticks
Instructions
- Cook your Rice: Add the rice to a pan and cook until soft and fluffy.
- Heat the Pan: Start by heating oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, green chilies, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 2 minutes until the mustard seeds begin to pop.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until soft.
- Add Carrots: Mix in the grated carrots with the onions.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle curry or sambar powder and turmeric over the carrots. Add two cinnamon sticks to infuse the mixture with flavor.
- Add Water: Pour in three tablespoons of water to help the carrots cook, ensuring they don't stick to the pan.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the pan and let it cook for about 2 minutes.
- Combine with Rice: Gently fold the cooked rice into the carrot mixture, ensuring not to break the grains.
- Add Ghee or Butter: Stir in two teaspoons of ghee or melted butter to enrich the flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the carrot rice on a plate and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Optionally, place the cinnamon sticks on top for an aromatic presentation.
This carrot rice is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors! The grated carrots add a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the aromatic spices infuse the dish with warmth and depth. It's a nutritious and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.