While biking through the remote parts of Nubra Valley in Ladakh, we stopped at a small restaurant nestled among high mountains to refuel ourselves. After riding for six hours, we were as hungry as wolves. The only dishes available were noodles and fried rice, and I opted for the latter since I had already consumed plenty of noodles during my earlier days of riding across Ladakh. A simple vegetable fried rice can sometimes satisfy a young person’s hunger immensely, and I will always cherish the memory of enjoying that piping hot fried rice amidst the chilly winds of Nubra Valley.
Fast forward to today, I’m regularly creating recipes and dreaming about food. Thursdays and Fridays tend to be hectic, filled with work and assignments that need to be completed before the weekend. During those busy days, my homemade vegetable fried rice comes to the rescue. The recipe is quite simple and can be prepared in just five minutes. Plus, you can use any vegetables of your choice or whatever staples you have on hand to create this delicious meal.
Ingredients: ( for 2 persons )
Boiled Rice – 2 cups ( make sure it is cold as freshly boiled rice gets lumps )
Carrots – 15 gm
Green peas – 10 gm
Beetroot – 15 gm
Onion -1
Green chillies – 5 gm
Vegetable stock – 30 ml
Soy sauce – 3 tbsp
Sesame oil – 30 ml
Five spice powder – 1 tbsp
Salt – to taste
Sugar – 1 tsp
Fried Garlic flakes – 1 tsp
Method:
1 ) Spread the rice on a baking tray or a large dish and make sure to remove any lumps. Use a spatula and loosen out the grains.
2 ) Wash and cut the vegetables as per choice.
3 ) Heat oil in a wok or a pan. Add the vegetables and saute them for a minute on high flame.
4 ) Add the sauce and saute further for a minute. Reduce the flame, and add the rice and vegetable stock along with spice powder and seasoning. Mix well and cook on a high flame for 3 to 4 minutes. Check whether the stock is drained. Serve hot garnished with garlic flakes.
