Chinese carrot dish with rice

Delicious Chinese carrot rice recipe - perfect for a fasting day

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

In search of a quick and tasty recipe that brings a touch of exoticism to your kitchen, Chinese carrot rice is the ideal choice. This recipe is not only perfect for fasting days, but it is also packed with vitamins, thanks to the fresh ingredients. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients:
- 3 large carrots
- 2 medium onions
- 1 clove of garlic
- 6-7 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon of soy paste
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon of oil
- a handful of dried peanuts
- 2 handfuls of rice (approximately 200 g)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the 3 carrots and slicing them into rounds. This will not only give them a nice appearance but will also allow for even cooking. Peel and julienne the onion, and slice the garlic thinly to release its aroma.

2. Cooking the vegetables: In a large pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil with 1 tablespoon of water over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, sautéing them for 1 minute. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. This technique helps maintain a crunchy texture.

3. Adding flavors: Once the vegetables are slightly softened, add the soy paste, 6-7 tablespoons of water, and the soy sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook over medium heat until the carrots are to your liking. If you prefer crunchier carrots, do not leave them on the heat for too long.

4. Finishing the dish: At the end of cooking, add the peanuts and sliced garlic. Cover the pan again to allow the garlic to release its aroma into the dish.

5. Preparing the rice: In a separate pot, bring water with a pinch of salt and a splash of oil to a boil to prevent foaming. Add the rice and boil it over high heat. When the rice is almost done, add the soy sauce to give it an authentic taste and color the grains. Once the rice is fully cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process.

6. Serving: On a plate, place a bed of rice and top it with the carrots and the delicious sauce. Finish with a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor. This combination of textures and flavors will delight any Asian food lover.

Serving suggestion: You can top it with some toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and a distinct taste. Also, if you want a spicy version, you can add a few slices of chili pepper.

This simple and quick Chinese carrot rice recipe will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!