Perfect Pilaf Rice Recipe ๐
Description:
This aromatic Basmati rice pilaf is a delightful blend of flavors inspired by the rich spices of Indian cuisine. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal and can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings. With its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, this rice is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 side dish servings
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 347.7
- Fat Content: 2.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 594.3mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 72.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.8g
- Sugar Content: 0.8g
- Protein Content: 7.5g
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Meanwhile, bring 5 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt to the boiling water. |
| 2 | Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 10×13 inch roasting pan lightly with oil or cooking spray. |
| 3 | Once the water is boiling, add the washed Basmati rice, turmeric, bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Stir gently to combine. |
| 4 | Allow the rice to boil for about 10 minutes, or until it’s slightly tender but still firm to the bite. Then, remove the pot from heat and carefully drain the rice in a colander. Rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. |
| 5 | Transfer the rinsed rice to the greased roasting pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven. |
| 6 | Bake the rice for 10-15 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and fluffy, with each grain separate. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. |
| 7 | Once done, remove the pilaf from the oven. You can serve it immediately as a delicious side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes. Enjoy your Perfect Pilaf Rice! |
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can sautรฉ diced onions, garlic, and ginger in a bit of oil before adding the rice to the boiling water.
- Feel free to customize this pilaf by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers during the baking process.
- To make the rice even more aromatic, toast the whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon stick) in a dry skillet for a minute or two before adding them to the boiling water.
This Perfect Pilaf Rice recipe combines simplicity with exotic flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite Indian dishes or enjoying it as a standalone meal, it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant taste and inviting aroma.
