Basmati rice pilaf is a delicious and easy dish that can be made with any type of rice. The key to a great basmati rice pilaf is to soak the rice in plenty of water before cooking it, which will help to make it tender and fluffy. You can also add spices like turmeric, cumin, and cardamom to give it a unique flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can cook the pilaf in a microwavable bowl, but be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that it comes out correctly. Enjoy!
This Basmati rice pilaf has a scent that transports me back to my childhood. This was something my mother used to cook for my lunch, and it was also a hit with my friends. And now I'm preparing it for my children's lunch. This is something that my hubby enjoys as well. Here's a quick and easy dish to try.
Basmati Rice Pilaf
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
- 1 large yellow onion, very finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
DIRECTIONS:
- Soak the basmati rice in a large bowl of cold water. Swish gently with your hands until the water is cloudy, and then pour off the water. Repeat two or three more times until the water is clear, Set aside to dry.
- In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and onions and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cinnamon stick, and cloves and fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the rice and cook until the kernels become translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add 3 cups of water and salt to the rice and bring to a boil, Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook the rice until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes, Remove from heat and let steam for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.
- Optional, top with chopped dry roasted peanuts.
- Serve hot with curry.
Basmati Rice Pilaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
- 1 large yellow onion very finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Soak the basmati rice in a large bowl of cold water. Swish gently with your hands until the water is cloudy, and then pour off the water. Repeat two or three more times until the water is clear, Set aside to dry.
- In a large saucepan, heat the ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and onions and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cinnamon stick, and cloves and fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the rice and cook until the kernels become translucent, about 1 minute.
- Add 3 cups of water and salt to the rice and bring to a boil, Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook the rice until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes, Remove from heat and let steam for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and cloves before serving.
- Optional, top with chopped dry roasted peanuts.
- Serve hot with curry.
Hope you liked the Basmati Rice Pilaf Recipe? If yes, then make sure to try it the next time. And if not, then keep trying until you get a perfect one!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pilaf and rice?
The flavour of rice pilaf and ordinary rice differs from one another. Rice pilaf is toasted in butter to give it a nutty flavour before being cooked in broth with extra seasonings. Regular rice is often prepared with just plain water.
Should basmati rice be soaked before cooking?
Prior to boiling, your grains will require some time to soak; the longer you soak them, the shorter the cooking time will be. Up to 30 minutes of soaking is what I would advise. This will accelerate the process of water absorption, saving you time at the stove!
Why is my rice pilaf mushy?
The grains of your rice may have split and the starches may have given the rice a mushy, gluey quality if it had too much moisture to absorb. What's one way to make that right? More liquid should be added. Your mushy rice will transform into a creamy rice pudding as soon as you add some milk, a hint of vanilla, and a tablespoon of sugar.
What makes a pilaf a pilaf?
Pilaf (US spelling) or pilau (UK spelling) is a rice dish, or in some places, a wheat dish. The recipe typically calls for cooking the grains in stock or broth, adding spices and additional ingredients like vegetables or meat, and using a technique to ensure that the grains are cooked but do not stick together.
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