Easy Pilau Rice

Transform your rice side dish game with this Easy Pilau Rice recipe, a fragrant and flavorful blend of traditional spices and fluffy Basmati rice. Perfectly spiced with cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric, this dish delivers warm, aromatic notes that elevate your meal to new heights. Sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger form a rich base, while a touch of ghee or vegetable oil brings everything together beautifully. Quick to cook in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for serving alongside curries, grilled meats, or vegetable stir-fries. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finishing touch, and watch as this golden-hued rice becomes the star of your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 3 Cardamom pods
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices release their aroma.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and golden brown.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Add the turmeric powder and mix well to coat the onions and spices evenly.

Step 7

Pour in the drained rice and stir gently for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the rice is coated with the spice mixture.

Step 8

Add the water and salt, then stir gently. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 10

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.

Step 11

Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and discard the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf.

Step 12

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	846.6 grams (846.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	581

Total Fat 29.20g	37%
Saturated Fat 4.10g	21%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2392mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 72.30g	26%
Dietary Fiber 7.00g	25%
Total Sugars 5.30g
Protein 10.10g	20%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 170mg	13%
Iron 7mg	40%
Potassium 426mg	9%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.4%

Protein: 6.8%

Carbs: 48.8%