Aromatic Spiced Basmati Rice
This Aromatic Spiced Basmati Rice recipe, inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's acclaimed 'Indian Cooking' cookbook, is a delightful side dish that complements a wide array of Indian cuisine as well as grilled meats. With its fragrant spices and flavors, this rice dish elevates your meal to new heights, making it perfect for festive occasions or everyday dining. The method ensures each grain is fluffy and infused with the warmth of spices, creating a perfect harmony of taste and aroma.
6
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
450 ml (Pick over and wash several times, then soak in water for 30 minutes and drain.)
Water
5 cups (To soak rice.)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (For frying.)
Onion
1 small (Peeled and finely chopped.)
Hot green chili pepper
1/2 (Finely chopped.)
Garlic
1/2 teaspoon (Peeled and very finely chopped.)
Garam masala
1/2 teaspoon (Spice blend.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste.)
Chicken stock
600 ml (Base for cooking the rice.)
Instructions
1
Start by thoroughly picking over the basmati rice for any impurities or damaged grains. Place the rice in a bowl and wash it in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Drain the washed rice.
2
Cover the drained rice with 5 cups of fresh water and let it soak for 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the rice thoroughly in a strainer and let it sit for an additional 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
3
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, cooking until it turns a light golden brown, stirring frequently.
4
Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot along with the green chili, chopped garlic, garam masala, and salt. Stir gently for about 3-4 minutes to ensure each grain of rice is well-coated with the oil and spices without letting it stick to the bottom of the pot.
5
Pour in the chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, cover the pot tightly with a lid, reduce the heat to very low, and let it cook undisturbed for 25 minutes. For convenience, this step can be transferred to a rice cooker at this point.
6
Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve hot alongside your favorite Indian dishes or grilled meats.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
55g
Carbs
5g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Spiced Basmati Rice?
It is a fragrant rice side dish inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking that features basmati rice infused with warm spices and chicken stock.
Who inspired this specific rice recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the acclaimed 'Indian Cooking' cookbook by Madhur Jaffrey.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much basmati rice is required?
The recipe requires 450 ml of basmati rice.
How long should the rice be soaked?
The rice should be soaked in 5 cups of water for 30 minutes.
Should the rice be washed before cooking?
Yes, you should wash the rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear to remove impurities.
How long should the rice sit after being drained?
After soaking and draining, let the rice sit in a strainer for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
What type of oil is used for frying the onions?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
To what stage should the onions be cooked?
The onions should be cooked until they turn a light golden brown.
What spices are added to the rice?
The rice is seasoned with garam masala, salt, and hot green chili pepper.
Can I use a rice cooker for this recipe?
Yes, after bringing the rice and stock to a boil on the stove, you can transfer the mixture to a rice cooker.
How much garam masala is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala.
What kind of liquid is used to cook the rice?
The recipe uses 600 ml of chicken stock as the cooking liquid.
How long does the rice cook on the stovetop?
The rice should cook covered on very low heat for 25 minutes.
Should the rice rest after cooking?
Yes, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing.
What is the best way to fluff the rice?
You should fluff the rice gently with a fork to avoid breaking the grains.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has 55 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 5 grams of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this rice dish?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of very finely chopped garlic.
What kind of chili is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a hot green chili pepper, finely chopped.
What is the purpose of stirring the rice for 3-4 minutes?
Stirring ensures each grain of rice is well-coated with oil and spices before adding the liquid.
Can this rice be served with grilled meats?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great complement to grilled meats as well as Indian cuisine.
Is this recipe suitable for festive occasions?
Yes, its aromatic spices and fluffy texture make it perfect for festive occasions or everyday dining.
How much salt should I add?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to taste.
What should I look for when picking over the rice?
You should check for any impurities, stones, or damaged grains.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Rice dishes.
How does the cooking method affect the grains?
The soaking and low-heat cooking method ensures each grain is fluffy and infused with spice flavors.