Kothu Rice
Meal Prep · South Indian

Kothu Rice

A vibrant and spicy South Indian stir-fry, often made with leftover rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices.

Prep: 15 min
🔥Cook: 25 min
Total: 40 min
🍽4 servings
Vegetarian
Kothu Rice

Ingredients

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Method

Step-by-step
  1. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; let them splutter.
  2. Add curry leaves, green chillies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add diced carrots, bell pepper, and peas. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  5. Stir in the chopped tomato/puree and cook until the oil separates from the mixture, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
  7. Add the cooked rice to the pan. Using two spatulas, gently ‘kothu’ (chop and mix) the rice and vegetables together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
  8. Continue to stir-fry and ‘kothu’ for 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and develop a slightly crispy texture.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Per serving
NutrientAmount
Calories380 kcal
Protein9 g

Storage & Freezer Guide

Make it last
Refrigerator 3-4 days

Store leftover Kothu Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Freezer Up to 1 month

Freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat Stovetop/Microwave

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave until thoroughly heated through.

Chef’s Corner

  • Using leftover, day-old cooked rice is crucial for the best texture, as it’s drier and less likely to become mushy.
  • Don’t hesitate to vigorously ‘kothu’ (chop and mix) with two spatulas while stir-frying to achieve the authentic street-style texture and ensure even flavor distribution.
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