Soy-Free Spiced Pilau Rice
Delight your taste buds with this Soy-Free Spiced Pilau Rice, a fragrant and colorful side dish that brings the authentic flavors of South Asian cuisine to your table—without a trace of soy. This recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with aromatic whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and cumin, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Turmeric lends its signature golden hue, while caramelized onions and a touch of garlic and ginger add depth and warmth. Easy to customize with optional frozen peas and a vibrant garnish of fresh cilantro, this dish pairs beautifully with curries, grilled proteins, or can stand alone as a comforting vegan or vegetarian centerpiece. Perfectly balanced and ready in just 35 minutes, this soy-free pilau rice is an irresistible addition to your mealtime repertoire.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3.5 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 4 pods Green cardamom pods
- 4 pieces Cloves
- 1 leaf Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 medium Yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (grated)
- 0.5 cup Frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
Stir in the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.
Stir in the turmeric powder and salt, followed by the rinsed basmati rice. Toss to coat the rice in the fragrant spice mixture.
Carefully pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is fully absorbed.
If using frozen peas, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through.
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit (covered) for 5 minutes to steam further.
Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
908 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.2 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.2 g | 121% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2432 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.6 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.0 g | 50% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.2 g | ||
| Protein | 21.9 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 277 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 12.4 mg | 69% | |
| Potassium | 802 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.
