Cinnamon Basmati Rice with Raisins
Infused with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon, this Cinnamon Basmati Rice with Raisins is a delightful side dish that’s both fragrant and flavorful. Perfectly fluffy basmati rice is toasted in butter and a hint of ground cinnamon, creating a rich and inviting base. Sweet, chewy raisins are stirred in for bursts of natural sweetness, while a touch of optional brown sugar adds extra indulgence. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 25 minutes, strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making it an elegant accompaniment to roasted meats, curries, or even as a simple dessert. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy this comforting, cinnamon-spiced dish any time of year.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 cup raisins
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the ground cinnamon and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains in the butter and cinnamon mixture. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir well 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 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat, but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit undisturbed for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the raisins and, if desired, the brown sugar for extra sweetness.
Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if using. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
740 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.0 g | 32% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.3 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 1223 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.8 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.0 g | ||
| Protein | 10.2 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 138 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 5.1 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 730 mg | 16% | |
*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.
