Spicy Steamed Rice with Cumin and Lime Juice
Infuse your meals with vibrant flavors using this Spicy Steamed Rice with Cumin and Lime Juice—a zesty, aromatic twist on traditional steamed rice. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is elevated with the smoky warmth of cumin seeds, the fiery kick of red chili flakes, and a refreshing burst of freshly squeezed lime juice. A hint of garlic and optional green chili deepen its aromatic profile, while chopped cilantro adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. This quick and simple recipe, ready in just 30 minutes, makes an ideal side dish for curries, grilled meats, or vegetarian mains, but it's equally satisfying on its own. Discover how this light yet flavor-packed dish can become a staple in your recipe repertoire!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1.5 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 2 units Garlic cloves (minced)
- 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1 unit Green chili (optional, finely chopped)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping.
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, until aromatic.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until it turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Add the red chili flakes and, if using, the finely chopped green chili. Stir well to release the flavors.
Pour in the water and add the rinsed rice to the saucepan.
Season with salt, stir gently, and bring the water to a boil.
Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and mix in the freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own with a dollop of yogurt or fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
402 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.6 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.4 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1203 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.0 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 8.4 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 91 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 234 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.
