Spicy Szechuan Rice with Fragrant Spices

Ingredients

While the original Rozz meʿammar from Arab cuisine is a sweet rice dish made with rose water, saffron, and nuts, this Indian-Chinese adaptation takes a completely different direction. The Spicy Szechuan Rice replaces the sweetness with a fiery kick and aromatic spices. The dish incorporates the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine, known for its intense heat and numbing sensation, and combines them with the fragrant spices commonly found in Indian-Chinese cuisine. The result is a vibrant and spicy rice dish that is a fusion of two distinct culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Rozz meʿammar, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) basmati rice 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cup (150g) diced chicken or tofu 1 cup (150g) diced chicken or tofu
• 2 tablespoons Szechuan sauce 2 tablespoons Szechuan sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste) 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the mixture becomes fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the diced chicken or tofu to the pan and cook until it is lightly browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced bell peppers and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, mix together the Szechuan sauce, soy sauce, chili flakes, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and salt.
6. 6.
   Pour the sauce mixture over the vegetables and chicken/tofu. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
7. 7.
   Add the cooked basmati rice to the pan and gently toss everything together until the rice is well coated with the sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. 8.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
10. 10.
    Serve hot and enjoy the fiery fusion of flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve fluffy, separate grains.
• Szechuan sauce — Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice preference. Increase or decrease the heat as desired.
• Ginger — Grate the ginger finely to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
• Bell peppers — Slice the bell peppers thinly for a crisp texture in the final dish.
• Fresh cilantro — Use fresh cilantro for garnish to add a burst of freshness to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, add a few Szechuan peppercorns to the dish while stir-frying the vegetables.
• Customize the vegetables according to your preference. You can add mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn for additional variety.
• To make it vegetarian, replace the chicken with tofu or paneer.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes.
• Serve with a side of spicy chili sauce or soy sauce for an added flavor boost.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Szechuan Rice as a standalone dish or pair it with a simple cucumber salad or kimchi for a refreshing contrast. It can also be enjoyed with a side of crispy spring rolls or vegetable Manchurian.

Presentation advice

Garnish the Spicy Szechuan Rice with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a few thin slices of red chili for an eye-catching presentation. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a decorative plate to enhance its visual appeal.