Quick Carrot Cabbage Rice | Easy Vegetable Rice Recipe for Lunchbox

This quick carrot cabbage rice is a simple way to include more vegetables in an everyday meal. Made with cooked basmati rice, grated carrots and cabbage, it is mildly spiced and comes together easily.

I like using refrigerated rice for this recipe because the grains stay separate and absorb the flavour of the vegetable masala without becoming mushy.

The tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves gives it a lovely South Indian touch. Roasted cashews, raisins and ghee added at the end make it even more flavourful.

You can also add grated beetroot, corn or any vegetables you have at home. Serve it with raita or a spicy curry for a satisfying meal.

Other recipes
Try this cabbage fried rice recipe
Another easy vegetable rice recipe
Try this flavourful curry leaves rice
Pair with a simple mixed vegetable curry

YouTube video – Quick Carrot Cabbage Rice

Watch the complete preparation here:

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked basmati rice (refrigerated overnight)
• 1 cup grated cabbage
• 3 grated carrots
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 green chillies
• ½ tbsp ginger garlic paste
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
• ½ tsp garam masala
• ½ cup hot water
• Pepper powder, as required
• Coriander leaves, as required

For tempering

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp urad dal
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves

For the ghee topping

• 1 tbsp ghee
• 10 cashews
• A few raisins

How to make carrot cabbage rice

Step 1: Prepare the tempering

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds, urad dal, cumin seeds and curry leaves. Allow them to crackle.

Step 2: Fry the onion

Add the chopped onion.

fry until it becomes soft.

Step 3: Add ginger garlic paste and green chillies

Add ginger garlic paste

cook until the raw smell disappears.

Add the green chillies and fry again.

Step 4: Add the vegetables

Add grated cabbage and grated carrots.

Mix everything well and fry on high heat for a minute.

Step 5: Add the spice powders

Add turmeric powder, chilli flakes and garam masala.

Mix well and fry for half a minute.

Step 6: Add water and salt

Pour in half a cup of hot water

add salt.

Mix everything together.

Step 7: Add the cooked rice

Add the refrigerated cooked basmati rice and spread it evenly over the carrot cabbage mixture.

Sprinkle pepper powder and add coriander leaves on top.

Step 8: Cook the rice

Close the pan and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare the cashew and raisin topping

Meanwhile, heat ghee in a small pan.

Add cashews and fry until they turn brown. Remove the cashews.

Add raisins to the same ghee and fry until they become plump.

Pour the ghee, cashews and raisins over the rice.

Step 10: Rest and mix

Switch off the heat. Do not mix the rice immediately.

Let it rest for 15 minutes. After resting, gently mix everything together.

Serve hot!

Tips for perfect carrot cabbage rice

1. Use refrigerated rice: Cook the basmati rice in advance and refrigerate overnight. This helps keep the grains separate.
2. Avoid mixing immediately: This is important. Let the rice rest for 15 minutes after switching off the heat before mixing.
3. Grate the vegetables: Grated carrots and cabbage blend nicely with the rice.
4. Maintain the heat: Fry the vegetables on high heat for a minute, as mentioned in the recipe.
5. Adjust the vegetables: You can add grated beetroot, corn or other vegetables along with cabbage.
6. Keep it mildly spiced: This rice is not intended to be very spicy. It pairs particularly well with a spicy curry.

What to serve with carrot cabbage rice?

This mildly spiced vegetable rice tastes good with:

• Onion tomato raita
• Cucumber raita
• Spicy chicken curry
• Kerala-style fish curry
• Egg curry
• Simple vegetable kurma

It is also convenient for school and office lunchboxes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use leftover rice for carrot cabbage rice?

Yes. Refrigerated leftover basmati rice works very well. Ideally, cook the rice a day ahead and refrigerate it.

2. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes. Grated beetroot, sweet corn, peas and capsicum can also be added along with carrots and cabbage.

3. Why should I avoid mixing the rice immediately?

Allowing the rice to rest for 15 minutes helps the flavours settle and makes it easier to mix without breaking the rice grains.

4. Is carrot cabbage rice spicy?

No. This recipe is mildly spiced. You can adjust the green chillies and chilli flakes according to your preference.

5. Can I prepare this rice for a lunchbox?

Yes. It is a convenient lunchbox recipe. Pack it in a clean lunchbox after preparing it.

Conclusion

This quick carrot cabbage rice is an easy and flavourful way to use cooked basmati rice and everyday vegetables. The ghee-roasted cashews and raisins make a lovely finishing touch. Pair it with raita or your favourite spicy curry and enjoy!

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