A New Rice & Carrot Meal: See How You Can Prepare It 🥣

Looking for a spectacular meal that’s both colorful and deeply satisfying? This Creamy Carrot Rice with Chicken Coconut Sauce is a rich, nutritious twist on traditional rice dishes. It combines the natural sweetness and vibrant hue of carrots and the comforting creaminess of coconut milk with tender, well-seasoned chicken cooked in a fragrant curry base.

It’s not just a meal — it’s a full experience on a plate, offering bold flavors, beautiful colors, and a nutritional boost that makes it perfect for both family gatherings and personal indulgence.

🧺 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

For the Carrot Rice:

2 cups of rice (Basmati or long grain).

2 large carrots

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp butter or vegetable oil

1 seasoning cube

Salt to taste

4 cups water

For the Chicken Coconut Curry:

500g chicken breast or thigh, boneless & cut into chunks.

1½ cups coconut milk

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp ginger, grated

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp curry powder

½ tsp chili flakes or fresh chili (optional, for heat)

2 tbsp vegetable oil

1 seasoning cube

Salt to taste

1 tbsp plain flour or cornstarch (for thickening, optional)

Fresh parsley or coriander (for garnish, optional)

👩🏾‍🍳 Preparation: Step-by-Step

🔸 Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Purée

Wash, peel, and chop the carrots. Boil them in a small pot with just enough water for about 8–10 minutes until soft.

Blend the carrots into a smooth purée using a blender or food processor. Set aside in a bowl.

🔸 Step 2: Cook the Rice

Wash the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.

In a pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or butter and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.

In the same pot, add the carrot purée and stir for about 2 minutes.

Add the washed rice and stir it into the carrot base.

Pour in 4 cups of water, add salt to taste and a seasoning cube, then stir well.

Cover and let it cook on medium heat until the rice is soft and fluffy.

In the final 3–5 minutes of cooking, stir in any chopped leaf of choice. Cover and let the steam wilt the leaf into the rice.

📝 NOTE: The leaf (preferably spinach if available) should stay bright green and lightly wilted, not overcooked.

🔸 Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Coconut Curry

In a bowl, season the chicken with salt, seasoning cube, turmeric, and curry powder. Let it marinate for at least 10–15 minutes (longer if time allows).

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet or saucepan.

Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

Add the seasoned chicken and brown lightly on all sides.

Pour in the coconut milk, stir well, and bring to a simmer.

Allow to cook for 12–15 minutes on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce slightly thickens.

(Optional) To thicken the curry sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the pot. Cook for another 3–5 minutes.

Adjust seasoning with more salt or chili flakes if needed.

Your Rice and Carrot meal is ready.

🍽️ Step 4: Plate and Serve

Scoop the creamy carrot rice onto a clean plate.

Ladle the coconut chicken curry beside the rice or into a small dish.

Optionally serve with a cool drink like zobo, lemonade, or pineapple juice.

🔁 Storage & Reheating

This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat what's left, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of coconut milk to keep it moist.

Enough of eating your rice this usual way every other day. It's time to spice things up.