Spiced Rice: A Fragrant Basmati Delight
Description:
Indulge in a bowl of Spiced Rice, where the delicate grains of Basmati rice intertwine with a medley of whole spices, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful dish that elevates any meal. This vegetarian-friendly recipe brings warmth and aroma to your dining table, making it a perfect side dish or a comforting main.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tbsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Cassia bark (or cinnamon stick) | 1 stick |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Cardamom pods | 4 |
| Star anise | 2 |
| Small onion, finely sliced | 1 |
| Garlic clove, sliced | 1 |
| Ginger, julienne (4 cm piece) | 1 |
| Cashew nuts | 10-15 |
| Raisins (optional) | 1 tbsp |
| Basmati rice | 200g (1 mug) |
| Cold water | 500ml (2 mugs) |
| Salt | 1 tsp (or to taste) |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250-300 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | Varies with salt |
Dietary Information
- Dietary Preference: Vegetarian
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Rice: Begin by washing the Basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. To do this, place the rice in a bowl, cover it with cold water, and gently swirl with your hand. Pour out the starchy water and refill with fresh cold water. Repeat this process until the water remains clear, then strain the rice in a sieve and set aside.
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Heat the Ghee: In a wide-based pan over medium heat, add the ghee. Once hot, toss in the whole spices: cumin seeds, cassia bark, cloves, cardamom pods, and star anise. Sauté these spices for about a minute until they sizzle and release their fragrant aroma.
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Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely sliced onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, about 2 minutes. Then, incorporate the sliced garlic and continue cooking until it is just beginning to turn golden brown.
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Add Ginger, Nuts, and Raisins: Stir in the julienned ginger, cashew nuts, and if using, the raisins. Cook for an additional minute, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
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Combine Rice and Water: Gently fold the washed rice into the mixture, stirring to coat each grain with the fragrant spices. Pour in 500ml of cold water—this should be twice the amount of rice. Add the salt, adjusting to your taste.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to bring the water to a vigorous rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
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Cook: Allow the rice to cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. It’s important not to lift the lid during this time to ensure the steam remains trapped, allowing the rice to cook evenly.
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Rest Off Heat: After 10 minutes, remove the pan from the heat but keep the lid on for an additional minute to let it rest.
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Fluff the Rice: Carefully take off the lid, allowing the steam to escape. The water should be fully absorbed, resulting in light, fluffy rice. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, taking care not to break the grains.
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Serve: Transfer the spiced rice to a serving dish and enjoy it as a delightful side or as part of a vegetarian feast.
Enjoy your homemade Spiced Rice, a dish that brings together the rich traditions of flavor and fragrance in every bite, making it a perfect addition to any meal!
