Afghan Spiced Basmati Rice
This Afghan Spiced Basmati Rice blends fragrant spices and caramelized onions with long grain basmati rice for a delightful side dish that transports you straight to the heart of Afghan cuisine. While not an authentic recipe directly from Afghanistan, it draws inspiration from traditional cooking methods and flavors. Using staple pantry ingredients and aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for any occasion, complementing both meat and vegetarian meals with its warm, savory notes.
4
Servings
90
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain basmati rice
1 (cup)
oil
2 (tablespoons (olive oil recommended))
yellow onion
1 (medium, thinly sliced)
cinnamon stick
1/2 (inch (about 1 cm))
bay leaf
1 (rubbed (preferably fresh))
whole cloves
3 (whole)
mace
1 (pinch)
salt
1/2 (teaspoon (to taste))
sugar
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by soaking the basmati rice in water for 15 minutes. Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch, then drain it thoroughly.
2
In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fry them for about 5 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
3
Stir in the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, whole cloves, and mace, sautéing for a few more minutes until the spices release their wonderful aromas.
4
Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle in the sugar. Allow the sugar to caramelize slightly, stirring gently to avoid burning.
5
Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, sautéing it for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently. Make sure to scrape any rice that may stick to the bottom of the pot. Season with salt to taste.
6
Carefully pour in 2 cups of boiling water. Increase the heat to bring the mixture back to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
7
Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving platter. Remove the whole cloves before serving, or warn your guests about their presence.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
16.5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Afghan Spiced Basmati Rice?
It is a fragrant side dish that blends long grain basmati rice with aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, and mace, along with caramelized onions for a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
How long should I soak the basmati rice?
The rice should be soaked in water for 15 minutes before rinsing and cooking.
Is this an authentic Afghan recipe?
While it is not a direct authentic recipe from Afghanistan, it is inspired by traditional Afghan cooking methods and uses characteristic aromatic spices.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Olive oil is recommended, but you can use other cooking oils if necessary.
Can I make this rice if I am a vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian-friendly as it uses plant-based ingredients.
How many calories are in one serving of this rice?
Each serving contains approximately 90 calories.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the rice?
The sugar is allowed to caramelize slightly, which adds a beautiful golden color and a hint of depth to the flavor of the rice.
What spices are used in this Afghan Spiced Basmati Rice?
The recipe uses a cinnamon stick, bay leaf, whole cloves, and a pinch of mace.
How much water do I need to cook 1 cup of rice?
You will need 2 cups of boiling water for every 1 cup of basmati rice.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer on low heat for about 18 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Why do I need to rinse the rice after soaking?
Rinsing the rice helps remove excess starch, which prevents the grains from becoming too sticky and helps keep them separate.
What can I substitute for mace?
Mace is the outer shell of nutmeg; if you do not have mace, you can use a tiny pinch of ground nutmeg as a substitute.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Do I need to remove the whole spices before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to remove the whole cloves and the cinnamon stick before serving, or at least warn your guests they are in the dish.
What should I serve with this spiced rice?
This aromatic rice pairs excellently with both meat-based dishes, such as lamb or chicken, and various vegetarian stews.
How long should I fry the onions?
Fry the sliced yellow onions for about 5 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used in this Afghan Spiced Basmati Rice recipe are naturally gluten-free.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 2 grams of fat per serving.
Can I use ground spices instead of whole spices?
Whole spices are preferred for their subtle infusion of flavor, but if you must use ground, use very small amounts to avoid overpowering the dish.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
A medium yellow onion is recommended for its balanced flavor when caramelized.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 16.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I use cold or boiling water to cook the rice?
You should use boiling water to ensure the temperature stays consistent and the rice cooks evenly.
Can I skip the soaking step?
Soaking is highly recommended for basmati rice as it helps the grains expand and results in a better texture.
How much sugar is in one serving?
There is approximately 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
What does 'rubbed' bay leaf mean?
It means slightly crushing the leaf in your hand before adding it to the pot to help release its natural oils and fragrance.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
What is the best way to fluff the rice?
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice after it has finished simmering to avoid breaking the long grains.
Can I add other ingredients like raisins or nuts?
Yes, while not in the base recipe, adding raisins or slivered almonds is common in many Afghan rice variations for extra texture and flavor.
How much salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.