Carrot Rice Pilaf
Carrot Rice Pilaf is a fragrant, one-pot rice dish where rice is sautéed with grated carrots, onions, and aromatic spices like cumin or cinnamon before being simmered in broth. It's a staple side dish found in many Middle Eastern, Central Asian, and South Asian cuisines, known for its vibrant color and slightly sweet, savory flavor.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily a carbohydrate source from the rice, with a moderate amount of fat from the cooking oil or butter used. It provides key nutrients like vitamin A from the carrots and offers a rough ballpark of 200-300 calories per standard serving, depending on the specific recipe and portion size.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 4.5 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 950 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 6 mg |
| Vitamin K | 10 mcg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 70 mg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
| Folate | 30 mcg DFE |
Per 1 cup (200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a versatile and comforting staple that often accompanies grilled meats or stews, showcasing how simple, affordable ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful and visually appealing dish. Nutritionally, the carrots add a boost of beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and fiber to the otherwise carb-heavy rice base.
