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This potato rice recipe is based on the easy Indian dish aloo pulao, potato pulao, or aloo rice. My rice potato recipe uses simple ingredients from US stores, and is a one pot vegan side dish. This dish is a popular staple in Indian and Pakistani cuisine, and it’s not hard to see why. With spiced rice and tender chunks of potato, potato rice is a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Are rice and potatoes good together? You bet! If you’re looking for a flavorful and filling dish to add to your recipe collection, potato rice is definitely worth trying.
Despite its name, potato rice is not just rice with potatoes thrown in. Instead, the rice is cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and saffron, which infuses it with flavor and color.
If you use white basmati rice, you can cook the rice and potatoes together. This allows your recipes with rice and potatoes to become tender and absorb some of the delicious spices. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying, with a rich, savory flavor that’s sure to please.
🥔 Potato Rice Recipe
Let’s learn how to make aloo rice! Here’s what you need to make this rice potato recipe:
- 1 cup basmati rice (long grain white rice)
- 2 medium gold potatoes (about 9-10 ounces total or 255-283 grams, use thin-skinned potatoes so you don’t have to peel potatoes)
- 1 small onion
- 2 teaspoons cooking oil
- 2 curry cubes
- 2 cups hot water
And here are step by step directions on how to make a mixture of potatoes and rice:
- Scrub and rinse the potatoes until the water runs clear. Chop the potatoes into ½-inch (1.27 cm) cubes. Peel the onion and chop into ½-inch dice (1.27 cm) as well.
- Heat the oil in a medium size pot over medium heat on the stove top. Add the onions and cook until softened. They should be softened; you’re not looking to brown them.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot (rice, potatoes, curry cubes, and hot water). Bring it to a simmer and stir to dissolve the curry cubes. Next, cover the pot, turn the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Potato rice is done when the potatoes and rice are tender, and the liquid is absorbed.
You can keep this potatoes and rice recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in a covered container. Reheat for 1-2 minutes in the microwave on high. White potatoes do not freeze well.
What to put in rice with potatoes?
Wondering what can I add to boring rice? Some popular seasonings to add to potato rice include garlic, cumin, turmeric powder, chili powder, ginger, coriander leaves, saffron threads, and salt. I used these yellow curry soup cubes to season potato rice the easy way.
You can also add other veggies to potatoes with rice, such as carrots and peas. For a one pot main dish, add a protein such as chickpeas, cooked chicken, or seasoned tofu cubes.
➕ What to Serve with Rice and Potatoes
Potato rice is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, such as beef, fish, or my Ninja Foodi whole chicken. You can also serve it microwaved vegetables such as steamed broccoli, or try these roasted air fryer carrots.
To add some extra flavor and texture to your potato rice, consider adding some toppings or garnishes. Some popular toppings for potato rice include chopped cilantro, toasted almonds or cashews, and raisins or currants. You can also drizzle some lemon juice or yogurt over the top for added tanginess.
🗒️ Potato Rice Calories
One serving of this potatoes rice recipe provides 264 calories, 51.2 grams net carbs, and 5.1 grams protein. Potatoes and rice are starchy foods that are high carb, and not appropriate for very low carb or keto diets. Depending on the brand of curry cubes you use, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan.
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Potatoes and rice is an energizing side dish that provides carbs on carbs goodness. However, relative to the calories, it doesn’t contain much in the way of protein or fiber to keep you full.
Here’s a common question I get: “is potato or rice better for you”? So, here’s a few thoughts on is rice worse than potatoes, or vice versa?
What is Healthier: Potatoes or Rice?
When it comes to deciding which is healthier between potatoes and rice, there is no clear winner. Both are good sources of carbohydrates, and both provide essential vitamins and minerals. Potatoes are higher in potassium, while rice is higher in iron and folate.
Nutrient* | White Rice (100g steamed) | Potatoes (100g baked) |
---|---|---|
Calories | 130 | 95 |
Total Carbs (g) | 28 | 21 |
Fiber (g) | 0 | 2.3 |
Total Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
Protein (g) | 2.7 | 2.6 |
Thiamin (% DV) | 10.9 | 4.5 |
Niacin (% DV) | 7.4 | 6.7 |
Folate (% DV) | 10.7 | 6.5 |
Iron (% DV) | 6.7 | 5.9 |
Potassium (mg) | 35 | 550 |
The key to enjoying carbs in a diet that helps you maintain a healthy weight is portion size. Potatoes offer filling fiber and fewer calories by weight than white rice. However, when potatoes are cooked in oil (like for fries) they’re often much higher in calories by weight than rice.
Can I Eat Rice and Potatoes Every Day?
Yes, you can eat rice and potatoes every day, and both can be part of an overall healthy diet. That said, it’s important that the rice and potatoes don’t crowd out other healthy foods from other food groups. Choose brown rice and sweet potatoes for added fiber and nutrients and opt for baking or roasting potatoes instead of deep frying.
Should Diabetics Eat Potatoes and Rice?
If a diabetic is using carb exchanges to manage diabetes, small portion sizes of potatoes and rice can fit in the diet. Rice and potatoes are not a good fit for very low carb or keto diets. Cauliflower is often used as a low carb potato or rice substitute.
Brown rice and sweet potatoes are better options than white rice and regular potatoes because they are lower on the glycemic index and may not cause as much of a spike in blood sugar levels. Adding lentils to your rice or potato dish can also help slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and prevent a spike in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, consult with your doctor or dietitian to determine the best way to incorporate these foods into your diet.
FAQs
How to store potatoes and rice?
To keep unpeeled raw potatoes fresh, store them in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or cellar. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as this can cause the starches to turn to sugars and affect their flavor. For rice, store it in an airtight container in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
What is riced potatoes?
Riced potatoes are potatoes that have been finely grated or mashed into small, rice-like pieces. Riced potato is often used in dishes like potato pancakes, gnocchi, and as a substitute for rice in recipes.
Are rice and potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, both rice and potatoes are naturally gluten-free. However, it’s important to check the ingredient labels on packaged rice and potato products, as some may contain gluten or be processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing foods.
Why do bodybuilders eat rice and not potato?
Bodybuilders often choose to eat rice over potatoes because it has a lower glycemic index, which means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. This can help them maintain a steady supply of energy during workouts and prevent crashes in blood sugar levels.
Can you cook potatoes in a rice cooker?
Yes, you can cook potatoes in a rice cooker. Simply peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces, add them to the rice cooker with water, and cook them as you would rice. This method is great for making mashed potatoes or potato rice.
How to rice potatoes?
Ricing potatoes is easy, and you can use the results in potato recipes for rice. To rice potatoes, you can use a potato ricer, a food mill, or a box grater. Simply peel the potatoes, boil them until they are tender, and then use your chosen tool to mash or grate them into small, rice-like pieces.
👨🍳 Potatoes and Rice Recipes
If you’re a fan of both potatoes and rice, you’re in luck! There are many delicious recipes out there that combine these two versatile ingredients beyond my potato rice Indian inspired dish. Here are a few variations to try:
Potato Rice South Indian Style
In South Indian cuisine, potato rice is a popular dish that you can enjoy as a main course or as a side dish. To make this dish, you’ll need cooked rice, boiled potatoes, and a variety of spices such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. The potatoes are typically mashed and mixed with the rice, along with the spices, to create a flavorful and filling potato rice bowl.
Potato Rice Tamil
In Tamil cuisine, potato rice is urulaikizhangu sadam. This dish is similar to the South Indian style, but it may also include onions, green chilies, and grated coconut. The onions and chilies are sautéed in oil before being added to the rice and potatoes, while the grated coconut adds a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
Potato Rice Korean
In Korean cuisine, potato rice is gamjacha bap. This dish is made by mixing cooked rice with grated potatoes and seasoning with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. The grated potatoes add a unique texture to the rice, while the soy sauce and sesame oil give it a savory and nutty flavor.
In addition, both potatoes and rice are flavorful additions to tomato soup and casserole dishes. You’ll never get bored of the endless variations of recipes that you can create with these two simple ingredients.
Watch How to Make It!
Potato Rice (Rice and Potatoes Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice (long grain white rice)
- 2 medium gold potatoes about 9-10 ounces total or 255-283g (use thin-skinned potatoes so you don’t have to peel them)
- 1 small onion
- 2 teaspoons oil
- 2 curry cubes
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Scrub and rinse the potatoes. Chop the potatoes into ½-inch (1.27 cm) cubes. Peel the onion and chop into ½-inch dice (1.27 cm).
- Heat the oil in a medium size pot over medium heat on the stove top. Add the onions and cook until softened. They should be softened; you’re not looking to brown them.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot (rice, potatoes, curry cubes, and hot water). Bring it to a simmer and stir to dissolve the curry cubes. Next, cover the pot, turn the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Potato rice is done when the potatoes and rice are tender, and the liquid is absorbed.
Notes
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂