Ketchup Rice

Ketchup rice, also known as "omurice" in Japan, is a popular dish that combines fried rice with a ketchup-based sauce. It's a flavorful and comforting dish that is enjoyed by both children and adults.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice, as it's drier)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: fried egg, chopped scallions, additional ketchup

Instructions:

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and carrot to the skillet and sauté until they become soft and slightly golden, usually around 5 minutes.
3. Add the frozen peas to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cooked rice to the other side. Break up any clumps of rice with a spatula and stir-fry it together with the vegetables for about 2-3 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and soy sauce until well combined.
6. Pour the ketchup and soy sauce mixture over the rice and vegetables. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of ketchup and soy sauce according to your preference.
8. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
9. Remove the ketchup rice from heat and serve it hot.
10. For an optional garnish, top the ketchup rice with a fried egg and sprinkle with chopped scallions. You can also drizzle additional ketchup on top if desired.

Enjoy your homemade ketchup rice as a delicious and satisfying meal!