Carrot rice - a healthy option for kids' school tiffin

Carrot contains beta-carotene, a strong antioxidant that is known to prevent cancer. Regular consumption of carrots reduces cholesterol level which helps prevent heart related problems. Since carrots are well known source of vitamin A, it is said to be good for eye sight also. Carrot rice is an easy, super healthy and quick recipe for your kid’s school lunch. The natural sweetness of the carrot and no chilli in the preparation makes it ideal for little ones. That does not mean it won’t be liked by any adult. My husband likes this one when he is not in spicy mode and I prefer it when rice is short for my lunch and need to cook something fast. Hope this will help some super busy mom.

Preparation Time: - 15 min

Cooking Time: - 20~25 min

Servings: - 3~4 persons (depends upon whether they are kids or adult)

Ingredients:- 

1. 1 ½ cup Basmati Rice
2. 150 gm. Carrot
3. 2 Bay leaves
4. 3~4 cloves
5. 1 inch cardamom stick broken into two
6. 2 tsp Cardamom Powder
7. 4 pieces Anise (optional)
8. 10~12 pieces of Cashew Nuts
9. 7~8 almonds
10. Few raisins (brown one)
11. ½ cup milk
12. 2 tbsp ghee
13. 8 tbsp vegetable oil
14. Salt and sugar to taste

Preparation:-

1. Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 15 min.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick kadai/ oak in high flame.
3. Turn the burner in low heat. Add cashew nuts and almond in it. You may add a little salt to it – it will enhance the taste. 
   
4. Shallow fry them and keep aside.
5. Heat 2 tbsp oil in same kadai or non-stick pan and shallow fry the carrots – again a little bit of salt will enhance the taste. Keep aside.
   
6. Use the same kadai and heat 1 tbsp ghee plus the remaining oil.
7. Now add the bay leaves, cinnamon and cloves. Add anise if you are using the same. Sauté for 1 min and add cardamom powder.
   
8. Immediately add the soaked rice. Since we are using cardamom powder it may burn if you do not add the rice immediately.
9. Mix well and cook for couple of minutes.
   
10. Now add carrot, milk and raisin. Also add salt and sugar as par your taste. You can skip sugar altogether if you have any health issue.
    
11. Stir and mix well till the milk is absorbed fully.
12. Add 1 cup water and mix.
13. Cover and cook till the rice is done.
14. Switch off the flame and add 1 tbsp Ghee. Mix it well.
15. Sprinkle the cashew nuts and almond on top of the rice.
    

Now your delicious carrot rice is ready to serve.

Serve this with raita or any veg or non-veg curry. 

As always please feel free to comment, criticize and seek if any help is required. I am all ears.