As winter gently settles in, it's the perfect time to add some warmth to your kitchen and your heart with delightful dishes. And here's a little secret ingredient to make your winter recipes even more special: Rice Bran Oil. This versatile cooking oil is renowned for its high smoke point, making it perfect for frying, roasting, and sautéing. It's also rich in heart-healthy properties, which is especially crucial during the winter months when we crave comfort food.
In this blog, we'll take you on a culinary journey with four quick and easy winter rice bran recipes that not only taste amazing but also harness the benefits of rice bran oil. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Recipe 1: Winter Special Khichdi
Ingredients:- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup yellow lentils (moong dal)
- 2 tablespoons rice bran oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, tomatoes)
- Water as needed
- Wash rice and lentils, and soak them for 30 minutes.
- Heat rice bran oil in a pressure cooker and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida.
- Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
- Drain the soaked rice and lentils and add them to the cooker.
- Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add water (about 3 cups) and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.
- Serve hot with a dollop of ghee and enjoy this special khichdi on a cosy winter afternoon.
Recipe 2: Warm and Nutty Rice Bran Porridge
Ingredients:- 1 cup oats
- 3 cups milk or plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons rice bran oil
- Honey or maple syrup for sweetness
- Chopped nuts and dried fruits of your choice for toppings
- In a saucepan, heat rice bran oil and add the rolled oats. Toast it for a few minutes until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the milk of your choice and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Cook it, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes or until the porridge thickens.
- Sweeten with honey or maple syrup, and top it with chopped nuts and dried fruits.
- This warm and nutty rice bran porridge is the perfect way to start a chilly winter morning.
Recipe 3: Rice Bran Oil-Garlic Fried Rice
Ingredients:- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably stale rice, cooked the night before)
- 2 tablespoons rice bran oil
- 6-8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spring onions for garnish
- Heat rice bran oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté until it turns golden and aromatic.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
- Toss in the cooked rice and soy sauce. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve this delightful garlic fried rice for lunch or dinner.
Recipe 4: Spicy Rice Bran Pakoras
Ingredients:- 1 cup chickpea flour (besan)
- 2 tablespoons rice bran oil
- 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Assorted vegetables (onions, potatoes, spinach leaves)
- Water as needed for the batter
- Rice bran oil for deep frying
- In a mixing bowl, combine chickpea flour, rice bran oil, carom seeds, salt, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala.
- Add water gradually to make a thick batter.
- Heat rice bran oil in a deep pan.
- Dip the assorted vegetables into the batter and deep fry until they turn golden and crispy.
- Drain excess oil on a paper towel.
- Serve hot with mint or coriander chutney, and enjoy these spicy rice bran pakoras on a chilly winter evening.