Herbed Basmati Pilaf
Transform your mealtime routine with this fragrant Herbed Basmati Pilaf, a light and fluffy rice dish infused with bold, fresh flavors. Perfectly cooked Basmati rice is elevated with aromatic cumin seeds, sautéed onions, and a vibrant trio of parsley, cilantro, and mint, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. A touch of olive oil adds richness, while the optional addition of sweet green peas lends a pop of color and natural sweetness. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this easy-to-make pilaf pairs beautifully with curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables, making it the versatile side dish your dinner table has been craving.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 small Onion
- 2 whole Garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 Bay leaf
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Parsley
- 2 tablespoons Cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Mint leaves
- 0.5 cup Green peas (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the Basmati rice in cold water 2-3 times until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
Finely chop the onion and garlic. Roughly chop the parsley, cilantro, and mint leaves, and set them aside.
In a medium saucepan with a lid over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the cumin seeds and toast for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the rinsed and drained Basmati rice to the pan. Stir gently to coat the rice in the oil mixture and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes.
Add the water, bay leaf, and salt to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer the rice on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
If using green peas, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking and allow them to steam along with the rice.
Remove the pan from the heat. Let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to redistribute.
Remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the chopped parsley, cilantro, and mint leaves to incorporate the fresh herby flavors.
Serve warm as a side dish with your favorite curry or grilled entrée, or enjoy on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
671 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.2 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1220 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.2 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.5 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 16.6 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 189 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 778 mg | 17% | |
*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.
