Fragrant Indian Rice: A Spice-Infused Side Dish to Elevate Your Meal
Elevate Your Meal with Fragrant Indian Rice
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Discover how to make flavorful indian rice that pairs flawlessly with your favorite curry. This aromatic side dish features toasted whole spices, fried onions, and long-grain basmati for a light, fluffy texture.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6
Ingredients for Authentic Indian Rice
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (2-inch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How to Cook Indian Rice to Perfection
- Rinse & Soak: Place the basmati rice in a bowl, cover with cold water, and rinse until water runs clear. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Toast Spices: In a medium pot over medium heat, warm the ghee. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Fry Onions: Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown and tender.
- Cook Rice: Stir in drained rice, coating each grain with the spiced oil. Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Rest & Fluff: Turn off heat and let the rice steam for 10 minutes with the lid on. Remove bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Fluff gently with a fork.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve hot alongside curries or grilled proteins.
Tips for Flawless Indian Rice
- Use aged basmati rice: It absorbs flavors better and yields a drier, fluffy texture.
- Control the heat: Medium-low simmer prevents sticking and burning.
- Rest without peeking: Steaming off the heat ensures perfect separation of grains.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Create a complete meal by pairing this spiced rice with:
- Classic butter chicken or tikka masala
- Vegetable korma for a vegetarian feast
- Grilled kebabs and cooling raita
With this recipe, your homemade indian rice will be the star of your meal.
Original recipe credits: Allrecipes
Indian Style Basmati Rice
This aromatic Indian rice features fragrant basmati grains cooked with toasted whole spices and fried onions, making it the perfect side to any curry or grilled dish.
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain.
- In a medium pot over medium heat, warm ghee or oil, then add bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the drained rice to coat grains, pour in water, add salt, and bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off heat and let the rice steam for 10 minutes with the lid on; remove bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot alongside your favorite curry.
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