Fragrant Spiced Rice
Elevate your side dish game with this Fragrant Spiced Rice recipe, a symphony of aromatic spices and fluffy basmati grains. Infused with the warm, earthy flavors of cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and enhanced by whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, every bite delivers a burst of exotic coziness. Sautéed onions and garlic create a flavorful base, while a garnish of fresh cilantro and toasted almonds adds brightness and crunch to this aromatic masterpiece. Perfect as a side for curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables, this easy-to-follow recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, serving up a dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this fragrant rice will make every meal feel like a special occasion.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice.
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.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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.
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf, and slightly crushed cardamom pods to the pan, and continue stirring for another minute.
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.
Carefully add the water and salt to the pan, giving it a good stir. Increase the heat and bring to a boil.
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.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow it to steam and finish cooking.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, removing the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and cardamom pods.
Transfer the spiced rice to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and toasted almond slices before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
762 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.4 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.3 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2424 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 104.0 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.3 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 17.2 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 281 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 685 mg | 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.
