Call it a guilty pleasure or a way to add a twist, but there is always something delicious about homemade meals. If you love to experiment, we chanced upon ace cricketer Virat Kohli‘s

healthy recipe for fried rice. “Try making vegetable fried rice with vegetable stock. It is outstanding. It is better than any street style fried rice that you have eaten anywhere,” he

shared in a conversation revolving around food, Bengaluru, and his brand One8Commune in a YouTube conversation with stand-up comedian Rahul Subramanian.

He also shared in the same chat that dosas were a revelation “when I came to Bengaluru”. “In Delhi, we had beetroot and carrot in dosas. Crispy dosas for me were unreal that is something I

Taking a cue from Kohli‘s culinary experiments, we decided to ask chefs how vegetable stock adds that extra zing to fried rice.

Compared to some roadside stalls and local joints, the homemade touch with carefully chosen ingredients and flavourful stock creates a distinct and satisfying experience, showcasing the art

of mindful cooking and a delicious journey beyond convenience, said Shubham Parikh, food blogger, Mumbai Food Heaven.

Kohli’s suggestion of making vegetable fried rice using vegetable stock is a great example of a healthy, flavourful dish, said registered dietitian Manvi Lohia, head of holistic health, and

international business, Ekaanta, Haridwar. “Using vegetable stock instead of meat-based stocks or broths makes your dishes suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. It allows you to enjoy the

same depth of flavour without the use of animal products,” said executive chef Vijesh Modi, Radisson Blu Plaza Resort and Convention Center, Karjat.

This dish, which incorporates brown rice cooked in vegetable stock, offers a multitude of health benefits, Lohia mentioned. “Brown rice, a whole grain, is a key component in reducing heart

disease risk. Research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights that whole grains like brown rice can significantly improve cholesterol levels and lower risks of

heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes,” Lohia said.

The recipe’s inclusion of a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and peas ensures a rich intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. “These nutrients

are crucial for maintaining a robust immune system and healthy skin. Moreover, using olive oil instead of animal fats or butter in the preparation significantly lowers the saturated fat

content,” Lohia said.

Olive oil is celebrated for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, added Lohia.

Vegetable stock can be used in a wide variety of dishes, including soups, stews, sauces, risotto, and more. “It provides a versatile base that enhances the taste of various ingredients and

brings them together harmoniously,” said Modi.