Dairy-Free Fragrant Spiced Rice
Transform your dinner table with this delightful Dairy-Free Fragrant Spiced Rice recipe, packed with the enticing aroma of warming spices and vibrant textures. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is infused with a rich blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and turmeric, while sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger lend depth to every bite. Tender peas add pops of sweetness, while fresh cilantro brings a refreshing finish. Completely dairy-free and ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal as a flavorful side dish or a satisfying standalone meal. It's a fragrant, one-pot dish that's perfect for families, meal prep, or impressing guests with a taste of aromatic cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4 cardamom pods, crushed
- 4 cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, turmeric powder, and bay leaf to the pot, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.
Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot, and stir well to coat the rice with the spiced oil and onion mixture.
Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir gently to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the rice for 15 minutes undisturbed, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
About 5 minutes before the rice is fully cooked, scatter the frozen peas over the top of the rice without stirring. Cover the pot again to allow the steam to cook the peas.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing in the peas. Discard the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and whole spices if desired.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your dairy-free fragrant spiced rice as an accompaniment to your favorite main dish or as a delightful meal on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
885 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2445 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 129.9 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.9 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.9 g | ||
| Protein | 24.3 g | 49% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 319 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 13.7 mg | 76% | |
| Potassium | 1065 mg | 23% | |
*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.
