Gujarati-style American Fried Rice

Ingredients

In this Gujarati adaptation of American fried rice, we incorporate traditional Gujarati spices and flavors to create a unique fusion dish. The original Thai version typically includes ingredients like fish sauce, soy sauce, and Thai chili peppers, which are replaced with Gujarati spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. Additionally, we incorporate raisins and cashews to add a touch of sweetness and crunch, which is not commonly found in the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Khao phat amerikan, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 1/4 cup (40g) raisins 1/4 cup (40g) raisins
• 1/4 cup (30g) cashews, chopped 1/4 cup (30g) cashews, chopped
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion turns translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the diced bell pepper, carrot, and frozen peas to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the turmeric powder and garam masala over the vegetables, and mix well to coat them evenly.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked basmati rice to the pan and gently toss to combine with the vegetables and spices.
8. 8.
   Stir in the raisins and chopped cashews, and season with salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful Gujarati-style American Fried Rice!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy grains.
• Cumin seeds — Toast the cumin seeds in a dry pan for a few seconds to enhance their aroma before adding them to the dish.
• Cashews — Lightly roast the cashews in a separate pan until golden brown for added crunch and flavor.
• Turmeric powder — Be cautious while handling turmeric as it can stain surfaces and clothing easily.
• Garam masala — For a more intense flavor, you can make your own garam masala by toasting and grinding whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add finely chopped green chilies or a pinch of red chili powder.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on your preference and seasonal availability.
• To make it a complete meal, serve with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) or pickles.
• Leftover rice works great for this recipe, as it tends to be drier and results in a better texture.
• Experiment with different nuts like almonds or pistachios for added variety and flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Gujarati-style American Fried Rice hot as a main course. It pairs well with a side of cucumber raita or tangy mango pickle. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, consider molding the rice into a round shape using a small bowl or ramekin. Invert it onto the serving plate and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cashews and a sprig of cilantro. Serve with a side of colorful pickles for an appealing visual contrast.