Looking for a vibrant and flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Say hello to our Easy Curried Rice Salad! Bursting with the warm spices of Indian cuisine and the sweetness of raisins, this salad is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to far-off lands. Perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful side dish at your next gathering, this recipe requires just 30 minutes of your time, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this colorful medley of flavors and textures!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions if not already prepared. Allow rice to cool completely to room temperature, spreading it out on a large plate to help it cool faster and prevent clumping.
- While rice is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Dice carrots into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/4 inch in size to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the salad.
- Steam or blanch the peas for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, steamed peas, diced carrots, and raisins.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, curry powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful dressing. Ensure the curry powder is well incorporated into the oil.
- Pour the curry dressing over the rice and vegetable mixture. Gently fold and mix all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the curry-infused oil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder as needed to achieve desired flavor profile.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. The salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with optional fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Tips
- Rice Preparation: Make sure your rice is completely cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents clumping and ensures a light, fluffy texture in your salad.
- Veggie Uniformity: When dicing your carrots, aim for uniform 1/4 inch cubes. This not only helps with even cooking but also makes for a visually appealing dish.
- Preserve Color: To keep your peas bright and vibrant, rinse them with cold water immediately after steaming or blanching. This stops the cooking process and locks in their beautiful green color.
- Flavor Infusion: For an extra kick of flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the spices to meld beautifully with the rice and vegetables.
- Garnishing: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. Not only do they enhance the flavor, but they also add a pop of color that makes your salad even more inviting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
