Recently, I have started to explore the idea of cooking one bowl healthy meals.

I know its a big surprise coming from someone whose last recipes have been deep fried! However, I can gulp them down only if they are flavorful and taste good. I wouldn’t put a recipe on my blog just because it looks good and is “supposed” to be bland because it is healthy.

One bowl meals encourage mixing vegetables, whole grains and allow you to build a layer of different foods, which are usually eaten separately.  For instance you can start with whole grains, veggies, then add some protein on top and drizzle a delicious  sauce.

So, I have kick started my new found love with a  classic comfort food – The Masala Rice Bowl. It is somewhere in between pulao and fried rice.

I thought I would kick it up a notch by adding some heat, just a small teaspoon of garam masala at the end. Please don’t fret, it is not that spicy, just a little something to add flavor.  I wanted to keep the heat on the mild side. Feel free to add as much or as little heat in the dish as per your preference, after all you are the boss of your kitchen. 😀

Don’t let the long list of ingredients fool you, it is pretty much the basic stuff you can find in any Indian grocery store . It took me less than half an hour including the prep work to finish this dish and I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Served: Hot
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rice (best previous day)
1 Tbsp Cooking Oil
1 medium onion thinly sliced
1 Tbsp Low sodium Soy Sauce
1 tsp red chilly flakes
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp red chilly powder
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Coriander for garnish

Method:
1. Combine rice and water in a deep bottom saucepan and let it cook uncovered on medium to high flame for 10 minutes and then covered on a simmer for 12 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed .( Rule of Thumb keep water to rice ratio 2:1 )  Remove the rice on a flat plate  and let it cool. After it comes to room temperature keep it in the refrigerator till we make our flavorful masala.

2.For vegetables, I have used broccoli, cauliflower and carrots and chopped them finely, you can use any veggies you have at hand. Cook them partially in boiling water for 5-6 minutes. Remove and keep aside.

3.In a small bowl combine, soy sauce, honey, red chilly flakes. (Add more red chilly flakes as per your spice preference)

4.While the rice  is cooling, heat oil on a medium flame in a large pan or skillet, to that add onions, chopped garlic and ginger. Give it a stir and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

5. To that add turmeric, red chilly & cumin powder and give it a good mix. To that add half of soy sauce, honey and red chilly flakes mixture and give a good stir. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6.Add your chopped veggies and coat them evenly, add the remaining soy sauce mix along with garam masala.

7. Keep stirring everything on a high flame for 2-3 minutes.  Serve hot into a bowl, garnish with chopped coriander and add some lemon juice on top.

Sink into your couch  with this bowl of comfort,while watching your favorite show.