Onion Pilau
Elevate your dinner table with the aromatic allure of Onion Pilau, a fragrant rice dish that combines perfectly fluffy basmati rice with caramelized onions and a medley of warm, earthy spices. Infused with cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf, this Indian-inspired side dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The golden-brown onions, which provide both sweetness and depth, are not only stirred into the rice but also used as a stunning garnish, adding a rustic elegance to every serving. Ideal for pairing with curries, grilled meats, or as a stand-alone vegetarian delight, this simple yet flavorful recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness, and enjoy the captivating scent and taste of homemade Onion Pilau!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Water
- 2 large, thinly sliced Onions
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 stick Cinnamon stick
- 4 pods Green cardamom pods
- 4 whole Cloves
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1.5 teaspoons Salt
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (optional, chopped for garnishing)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Set aside to soak in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pot and sauté, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
Once the onions are caramelized, remove half of them from the pot and set them aside for garnishing.
To the pot, add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the drained basmati rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the rice in the oil and spices, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir well to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and optionally sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
265 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.3 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 740 mg | 32% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.9 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 4.0 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 67 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 232 mg | 5% | |
*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.
