Elevate your side dish game with this Nut-Free Fragrant Spiced Rice, a perfect blend of aromatic spices and fluffy basmati rice that is both satisfying and allergy-friendly. Infused with warm notes from cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, star anise, and cumin, this rice recipe offers a delicate yet bold flavor profile without the use of nuts, making it ideal for those with dietary restrictions. Sautéed onion and garlic add depth, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro brightens every bite. Ready in under 40 minutes, this dish is a fragrant and flavorful complement to any meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's a simple yet indulgent twist on classic spiced rice.
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in enough water to cover it for at least 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Peel and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Roughly chop the fresh cilantro for garnish and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, and cumin seeds to the oil. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Add the drained rice to the pan, stirring to coat it with the spice mixture and oil. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors.
Pour in the 3.5 cups of water and add the salt. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed.
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This will allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with the chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your nut-free fragrant spiced rice!
Calories |
898 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2432 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 135.6 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.9 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 19.6 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 13.1 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 748 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.