Fragrant Indian Basmati Rice
Enhance your Indian culinary experience with this fragrant basmati rice, expertly infused with aromatic spices, making it the perfect side dish for rich and flavorful mains like chicken tikka masala or chicken tandoori. This recipe highlights the delicate texture of basmati rice by soaking it to ensure a fluffy outcome while the spices blend harmoniously, creating a warm and inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, this dish brings authentic Indian flavors right to your table, inviting you to enjoy every bite.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
1 1/2 cups (Rinse and soak in water for 20 minutes.)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking.)
Cinnamon stick
1 (2 inch) (Whole.)
Green cardamom pods
2 (Whole.)
Whole cloves
2 (Whole.)
Cumin seed
1 tablespoon (Whole.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Optional, for taste.)
Water
2 1/2 cups (For cooking the rice.)
Onion
1 small (Thinly sliced.)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, place the rice in a bowl of water to soak for 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to achieve the light and fluffy texture of the rice.
2
In a large pot or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, whole cloves, and cumin seeds, stirring them for about a minute until they release their fragrant aromas.
3
Next, add the thinly sliced onion to the pot and sauté for around 10 minutes until the onions caramelize to a rich golden brown, enhancing the flavor of your rice.
4
After the onions are perfectly cooked, drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring gently for a few minutes to lightly toast the grains, which adds depth to the flavor.
5
Carefully add in the salt and pour in 2.5 cups of water. Stir the mixture briefly and bring it to a vigorous boil.
6
Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
7
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to let the rice steam.
8
Lastly, fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the grains are separated, and gently remove the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves) before serving.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
15g
Carbs
1g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fragrant Indian Basmati Rice?
Fragrant Indian Basmati Rice is an aromatic side dish infused with whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, designed to complement rich Indian mains.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
You should use high-quality long-grain Basmati rice to achieve the traditional fragrance and fluffy texture.
How long should I soak the basmati rice?
The rice should be soaked for 20 minutes after rinsing to ensure the grains become light and fluffy.
Why do I need to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing the rice under cold water removes excess surface starch, which prevents the grains from sticking together.
What whole spices are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses one 2-inch cinnamon stick, two green cardamom pods, two whole cloves, and one tablespoon of cumin seeds.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It takes approximately 10 minutes of sauteing over medium heat for the onions to reach a rich golden brown color.
Is this Indian Basmati Rice recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it uses vegetable oil and plant-based ingredients.
What is the recommended serving suggestion for this rice?
It is the perfect side dish for flavorful mains such as chicken tikka masala or chicken tandoori.
How many calories are in a serving of this rice?
There are approximately 75 calories per serving of this fragrant rice.
What is the water-to-rice ratio for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2.5 cups of water for every 1.5 cups of basmati rice.
Should I remove the whole spices before eating?
Yes, you should gently remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves before serving the dish.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Soaking the rice for 20 minutes and letting it steam for 5 minutes after cooking helps maintain a firm yet fluffy texture.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use ghee for a more traditional buttery flavor, or another neutral cooking oil.
What purpose do the cumin seeds serve?
Cumin seeds add a warm, earthy flavor and a pleasant aroma to the rice when toasted in oil.
How long should the rice simmer?
Once the water reaches a boil, lower the heat and let the rice simmer covered for about 15 minutes.
Why is the rice toasted in the pot before adding water?
Gently toasting the rice grains in the spiced oil for a few minutes adds depth and a nutty flavor to the final dish.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
Based on the nutritional facts provided, this recipe contains 0mg of cholesterol.
What is the fat content of this rice?
Each serving contains approximately 2 grams of fat.
How much protein is in a serving?
This rice dish provides about 1 gram of protein per serving.
Is there fiber in this basmati rice recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 0.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I use brown basmati rice instead?
While possible, brown rice requires more water and a longer cooking time than white basmati rice.
What should the water look like when rinsing the rice?
You should rinse the rice until the water runs clear to ensure the starch is removed.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size onion is required?
One small onion, thinly sliced, is sufficient for this recipe.
Do I need to stir the rice while it is simmering?
No, the rice should cook undisturbed with a tight-fitting lid to allow the steam to cook the grains evenly.
How do I fluff the rice properly?
Use a fork to gently lift and separate the grains rather than a spoon, which can mash them.
Is the salt mandatory?
The salt is listed as optional for taste, but it helps to enhance the overall flavors of the spices.
What is the total number of ingredients?
This recipe uses 9 ingredients including the spices, rice, and water.
How long should the rice stand after the heat is turned off?
The rice should stand covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the remaining steam to finish the cooking process.
What kind of aroma can I expect from this dish?
The combination of cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting, and authentic Indian kitchen aroma.