Whole Spice Basmati Pilaf
Transform your dinner table into an aromatic celebration with this Whole Spice Basmati Pilaf – a simple yet elegant rice dish that bursts with the warm, earthy essence of whole spices. Fluffy basmati rice is gently sautéed with fragrant cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and cumin seeds, then simmered to perfection with golden caramelized onions for an irresistibly flavorful experience. Toasted raisins and slivered almonds can be added for a sweet, nutty twist, while freshly chopped cilantro offers a vibrant finish. Ideal as a side dish or the star of a vegetarian feast, this recipe is easy to prepare in under 40 minutes and pairs perfectly with curries, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats. Elevate your meal with this richly spiced basmati pilaf that’s as stunning on the palate as it is on the plate! Keywords: basmati rice pilaf, whole spices, easy rice recipe, Indian side dish, fragrant pilaf.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1.5 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- 1 3-inch piece Cinnamon stick
- 4 whole Cardamom pods
- 4 whole Cloves
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 small, thinly sliced Onion
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish) Fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons (optional) Raisins
- 2 tablespoons (optional) Slivered almonds
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.
Heat ghee or oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Sauté the spices for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Add the sliced onion to the pan and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the drained basmati rice and sauté for 2 minutes, ensuring the rice is coated with the spices and oil.
Add the water and salt to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
Cook the rice for 15 minutes without lifting the lid. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork. If using raisins and slivered almonds, stir them in at this point.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1000 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.0 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.0 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 84 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 2417 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.6 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.4 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.2 g | ||
| Protein | 22.9 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 336 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1074 mg | 23% | |
*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.
