This Indian Style Zucchini Rice Pilaf is a quick, easy, and flavorful spiced rice that can be prepared with rice, shredded zucchini, and spices

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

Measuring cup used 1 cup = 250 ml

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 2 green chilies (finely chopped)
  • 1 stalk curry leaves
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 large zucchini (shredded, (about 2 cups))
  • 2 cups cooked basmati rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • salt (to taste)
  • juice of half lime
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves

Whole spices

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin (jeera) seeds
  • 2 green cardamom
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 inch cinnamon

Method

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil/ghee in a kadai. Add all the whole spices and saute for a few seconds till aromatic.
  2. Then add green chilies, curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste. Saute for a few seconds till the raw smell of the ginger garlic goes away.
  3. Next, add onions. Saute till they turn light brown.
  4. Then add the shredded zucchini, along with turmeric, garam masala, and cook for 3-4 minutes till the water from zucchini starts evaporating out.
  5. Next, add the cooked rice, salt, and mix everything. Cover and simmer for 2-3 minutes, and then turn off the gas.
  6. Lastly, squeeze some fresh lime juice over it. Garnish with coriander leaves & serve zucchini rice pilaf hot with raita.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.