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.
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat until the butter melts and is foamy.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
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.
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the salt and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley.
Garnish with toasted almond slivers, if using, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
259 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 13.3 g | 17% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 19 mg | 6% | |
| Sodium | 1136 mg | 49% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.8 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.0 g | 12% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 68 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 211 mg | 4% | |
*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.
