Multi-Layered Vegetable Rice Recipe

Sure, here’s a delicious and nutritious multi-layered vegetable rice recipe for you:

Multi-Layered Vegetable Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked and drained
• 4 cups water
• Salt to taste

For the Vegetable Layers:

• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

For Layering and Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Fried onions (optional)
• Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (for color and aroma)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:
   • In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
   • Add the soaked and drained rice along with some salt.
   • Cook the rice until it’s about 70-80% cooked. It should still have a slight bite to it. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Layers:
   • In a skillet, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat.
   • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute.
   • Add the julienned carrots, sliced bell peppers, peas, and corn. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
   • Add the turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   • Finally, add the chopped spinach or kale and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
3. Layering:
   • In a large heavy-bottomed pot or a deep oven-safe dish, start by spreading a layer of the partially cooked rice at the bottom.
   • Follow with a layer of the prepared vegetable mixture.
   • Continue alternating between rice and vegetable layers until both are used up. Ensure the top layer is rice.
4. Finishing Touches:
   • Drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the top layer of rice.
   • Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top.
   • Optionally, sprinkle some fried onions for added flavor and crunch.
5. Cooking:
   • You can cook the layered rice on the stovetop over low heat with a tightly closed lid. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
   • Alternatively, you can bake the layered rice in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
6. Serving:
   • Gently fluff the rice layers with a fork before serving to mix the flavors.
   • Serve the multi-layered vegetable rice hot with yogurt, raita, or any side dish of your choice.

Enjoy your flavorful and colorful multi-layered vegetable rice!