My Recipe Box

Vegetable Tamarind Rice

A South Indian-inspired dish, blending the tanginess of tamarind with the freshness of vegetables and the comfort of rice.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-25 mins
Cook: 25-30 mins
Serves: 4
Author: GurpreetS90

4.2 / 5 (646)


Ingredients

Rice and Grains
  • Basmati Rice

    1 cup

  • Water

    as needed

Vegetables
  • Carrots

    2 medium

  • Peas

    1 cup

  • Onions

    1 large

Spices and Seasonings
  • Tamarind Paste

    2 tablespoons

  • Turmeric Powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Mustard Seeds

    a pinch


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by preparing the rice according to package instructions.

    Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice with water in a 1:2 ratio. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

  • 2
    While the rice cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.

    Add a small amount of oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them pop. This will add a nutty flavor to the dish.

  • 3
    Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.

    Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Onions are done when they lose their crunch and turn slightly golden.

  • 4
    Add the turmeric powder and stir well to combine.

    This spice will not only add flavor but also a vibrant yellow color to the dish.

  • 5
    Introduce the tamarind paste and mix thoroughly.

    Tamarind paste gives the dish its distinctive tangy taste. Ensure it's well incorporated with the onions and spices.

  • 6
    Add the peeled and chopped carrots and the peas.

    Stir well to combine all the vegetables with the spice and tamarind mixture. Let it cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

  • 7
    Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

    Then, add the cooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables and tamarind mixture.

  • 8
    Mix everything together gently but thoroughly.

    Ensure the rice is well coated with the tamarind and vegetable mixture. Be careful not to mash the rice.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

308

4

235

3

53

2

45

1

5

Reviews

  • SaharaDreamer85

    I really appreciate this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe, it's quite interesting with the mix of tamarind paste and exotic spices. Although I'm a big fan of Moroccan tagine, I enjoy trying different international dishes. The use of mustard seeds and turmeric powder in this recipe is lovely, and I like that it's not too spicy, which suits my taste. The combination of vegetables and the tanginess of tamarind with rice is a great idea. I would like to try this recipe, but I might add some Moroccan spices to give it a personal touch. Overall, it's a nice and flavorful dish that I would recommend.

  • rukmini_d

    I danced with joy as I cooked this Vegetable Tamarind Rice, the rhythm of sizzling mustard seeds and simmering rice serenading my senses. A symphony of flavors, this dish whispers tales of South India, where tradition meets innovation. The tang of tamarind, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the gentle warmth of turmeric powder wove a tapestry of delight on my palate. As a vegetarian with a love for India's street food magic, I was thrilled to see this recipe shine with a dairy-free charm. The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that I wished for a few more vegan variations, but overall, it's a delightful addition to my culinary journey.

  • AkuaM14

    I try this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe. It is okay, not very spicy but tasty. I like tamarind, it is sour and good. The rice is nice, not too hard or too soft. I add some vegetables, carrots and peas, they are yummy. I think it is a good meal, not like jollof rice but still good. I want to try more recipes like this, maybe with chicken or fish. I like that it is easy to make, not too many ingredients. I give it 4 stars, I like it but not perfect.

  • NaliJ

    i had a blast making this vegetable tamarind rice recipe! the mix of indian spices and tangy tamarind was exactly what i was looking for. the addition of mustard seeds gave it a nice crunch and flavor. i did have to substitute peas with some other veggie since i wasn't feeling like eating peas that day, but it still turned out great. one thing to note is that i had to be extra careful with the ingredients due to my nut allergy, but luckily there were no issues. overall, i'd say this recipe is a winner and i'll definitely be making it again. the combination of flavors and textures was spot on and it was a great comfort food dish. i'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a tasty and easy meal!

  • FatimaH

    This Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe, while not traditionally Somali or Middle Eastern, has a certain charm to it. The combination of tangy tamarind with fresh vegetables and rice is quite appealing. I appreciate the use of halal ingredients and the absence of pork and alcohol. The dish seems like a great option for a light and refreshing meal. However, as a fan of heartier, spicier dishes featuring lamb, I found it a bit lacking in depth and richness. The preparation and cooking times are reasonable, and the steps are clear and easy to follow. Overall, it's a nice change of pace, but I might not reach for it often.

  • KaiToTheFuture23

    I try this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe. It is okay, but I miss meat. I like to eat meat with my rice. The tamarind flavor is interesting, but not very strong. I think it needs more sauce or seasoning. The vegetables are good, but I prefer more variety. I also think it needs more chili or spice. I am lactose intolerant, so I am happy that there is no dairy in this recipe. The instructions are clear, but some words are difficult for me to understand. I like that it is relatively easy to make and does not take too long. Overall, it is a good recipe for people who like vegetables and want to try something new.

  • Gabyrodriguez05

    This Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe has caught my heart with its symphony of flavors and textures. As a flexitarian with a passion for exploring new cuisines, I appreciate the innovative blend of South Indian spices and fresh vegetables. The tanginess of tamarind is like a poetic whisper, gently dancing with the sweetness of carrots and peas. I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about using Basmati Rice, but its fluffy texture and subtle nutty flavor have won me over. My only concern is the gluten content in the recipe - I would probably substitute the Basmati Rice with a gluten-free alternative to make it more accessible to my dietary needs. Nevertheless, this dish is a beautiful expression of culinary creativity, and I would definitely make it again, perhaps with a sprinkle of queso fresco on top (or not, given my dairy caution!). The recipe's medium difficulty level and preparation time are quite reasonable, making it a great addition to my recipe book.

  • CMBrooks22

    Yum, I just whipped up this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe and I'm loving it! 🤩 As someone who's always on the go and used to devouring stadium snacks, I've been trying to level up my healthy eating game 🏋️‍♀️. This dish is a total winner - it's like a flavor bomb just went off in my mouth 💥! The tamarind paste gives it that perfect tangy kick, and the veggies add some nice crunch 🌽. Plus, it's super easy to make and I didn't have to spend all day in the kitchen 🕒. One thing to note: I made sure to avoid any peanut products, obviously 🤦‍♀️ (peanuts are the enemy, lol). Overall, I'd totally recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal that's on the healthier side 🥗. 4 stars from me - would've been 5 if it had some crispy bacon bits 🥓

  • YaraTech23

    Marhaba, I've gotta say, this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe didn't quite hit the spot for me. As someone who enjoys traditional Arabic cuisine, I was expecting a bit more... umami flavor, you know? The tanginess of the tamarind was interesting, but it wasn't enough to make me say 'Mashallah, this is amazing!' The fact that it's lactose-free is a plus, though - Alhamdulillah! I think I'd need to tweak the recipe a bit to make it more to my liking. Maybe add some Arabic spices like cumin or coriander to give it that extra oomph. Still, it's a decent dish, and I'd be willing to try it again with some modifications. Insh'Allah, maybe next time it'll be a 5-star recipe for me!

  • Rohan_S

    This Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe shows promise, but I believe it could be improved. As a non-vegetarian who appreciates spicy curries, I found the dish somewhat lacking in terms of heat. The ingredients and steps appear straightforward, and I appreciate the use of tamarind paste for its distinctive tangy flavor. However, I must note that the recipe is entirely vegetarian, which may not align with my typical preferences. Additionally, I see no issues with dairy products in the recipe, which is fortunate given my mild allergy. To enhance the dish, I would consider adding some protein sources like chicken or shrimp, and increasing the amount of spices to give it a bolder flavor. Overall, it's a decent recipe, but it requires some adjustments to suit my taste.

  • AishaTheExplorer

    I must commend the creator of this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe for its innovative blend of flavors. As someone who appreciates Middle Eastern cuisine, I was initially skeptical about trying a South Indian-inspired dish. However, the combination of tamarind paste, turmeric powder, and mustard seeds resulted in a truly unique taste experience. The addition of carrots, peas, and onions added a pleasant crunch and freshness to the dish. I particularly enjoyed the tanginess of the tamarind, which was well-balanced by the other ingredients. My only suggestion would be to consider adding some halal-certified protein sources, such as chicken or lamb, to make the dish more substantial. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and exciting.

  • YariS2001

    I tried this Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe and loved it! The mix of tamarind, veggies, and rice is amazing. I'm always up for trying new foods, but this one reminds me of Brazilian dishes like feijoada - lots of flavor! I was happy to see no gluten in the ingredients. The recipe was easy to follow, and the result was delicious. I added some grilled chicken on the side, and it was perfect! I would definitely make this again and share with friends. The only thing is that I wished for more veggies, maybe some bell peppers or zucchini. Overall, great recipe!

  • EthanK99

    A fascinating culinary exercise in traditional South Indian cuisine. The Vegetable Tamarind Rice recipe presents an intriguing blend of flavors and textures, although it doesn't exactly align with my affinity for cutting-edge food tech. The use of tamarind paste and mustard seeds adds a captivating depth to the dish. I appreciate the emphasis on fresh vegetables and the relatively balanced nutritional profile. However, I would have liked to see some innovative twists, such as lab-grown meat alternatives or futuristic cooking methods. Despite this, the recipe's execution is solid, and the outcome is satisfying. Overall, a commendable effort in exploring conventional gastronomy.