Fragrant Spiced Rice

Transform your mealtime with this aromatic Fragrant Spiced Rice recipe, a perfect choice for bringing a touch of exotic flair to your table! Made with fluffy basmati rice infused with a symphony of warming spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, this dish is elevated by the subtle sweetness of onions, the richness of butter, and the crunch of toasted almonds. The addition of whole cloves, bay leaf, and cardamom pods ensures each bite is bursting with layered flavors, while fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbaceous finish. With just a few simple steps and 40 minutes from start to finish, this one-pot wonder is an ideal side dish for curries, grilled meats, or vegetarian feasts. Perfectly seasoned and beautifully fragrant, this spiced rice will captivate your senses and impress your guests. Keywords: spiced rice recipe, aromatic rice, basmati rice side dish, easy rice recipe, turmeric rice.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 slightly crushed cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons, sliced toasted almonds

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until translucent and lightly golden.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground turmeric to the onions and garlic. Stir the spices for about a minute to awaken their flavors.

Step 5

Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, and slightly crushed cardamom pods to the pan, and continue stirring for another minute.

Step 6

Pour the rinsed rice into the saucepan, stirring well to coat each grain with the spice mixture and onion. Let it toast slightly for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 7

Carefully add the water and salt to the pan, giving it a good stir. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow it to steam and finish cooking.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, removing the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cardamom pods.

Step 11

Transfer the spiced rice to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and toasted almond slices before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1212.5 grams (1212.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	762

Total Fat 34.40g	44%
Saturated Fat 15.30g	77%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 62mg	21%
Sodium 2424mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 104.00g	38%
Dietary Fiber 11.30g	40%
Total Sugars 5.60g
Protein 17.20g	34%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 281mg	22%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 685mg	15%

*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: 39.0%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 52.4%