Indian Pilau Rice

Elevate your dinner table with the fragrant and flavorful Indian Pilau Rice, a classic side dish bursting with the vibrant essence of traditional spices. This recipe combines aromatic basmati rice with warm notes of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, beautifully complemented by golden sautéed onions and a touch of turmeric for its signature hue. Sweet peas add a pop of freshness, while a garnish of chopped cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous finish. Perfectly steamed and infused with layers of spice, this pilau rice pairs effortlessly with curries, grilled meats, or vegetables, making it an irresistible accompaniment to any Indian-inspired feast. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's a simple yet impressive way to bring authentic flavors to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 3 pieces Green cardamom pods
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Frozen or fresh peas
• 0.25 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Once the oil is hot, add the cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until the spices release their aroma.

Step 4

Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 6

Add the peas, turmeric powder, and salt, mixing well.

Step 7

Gently fold in the drained rice, ensuring the grains are coated evenly with the spices.

Step 8

Pour in 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	922.5 grams (922.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	647

Total Fat 30.30g	39%
Saturated Fat 4.40g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2455mg	107%
Total Carbohydrate 84.50g	31%
Dietary Fiber 11.90g	43%
Total Sugars 9.90g
Protein 14.20g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 221mg	17%
Iron 8mg	46%
Potassium 636mg	14%

*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: 40.9%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 50.6%