Fragrant Rice Pilaf

Elevate your mealtime with this Fragrant Rice Pilaf, a beautifully spiced and aromatic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Crafted with tender basmati rice, a harmony of warm whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and a rich base of sautéed onions and garlic, this pilaf delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Simmered in chicken or vegetable broth and finished with a touch of fresh parsley and optional toasted almonds, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether served alongside roasted meats or enjoyed with a hearty curry, this easy-to-make rice dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe combines simple techniques with bold flavors to transform ordinary rice into an unforgettable dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pods Cardamom pods
• 3 whole Cloves
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 3 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Toasted almond slivers (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a large saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and is foamy.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.

Step 5

Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains in the butter and oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the salt and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 8

Simmer the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley.

Step 11

Garnish with toasted almond slivers, if using, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1271.1 grams (1271.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1002

Total Fat 55.80g	72%
Saturated Fat 18.10g	91%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 4977mg	216%
Total Carbohydrate 109.50g	40%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 9.30g
Protein 24.30g	49%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281mg	22%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 841mg	18%

*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: 48.4%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 42.2%