Cardamom and Fennel Flavored Rice
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
Transform ordinary rice into a flavorful and aromatic side dish with the subtle spices of cardamom and fennel. This simple yet distinctive recipe will elevate your meal, making it the perfect accompaniment to rich curries or roasted meat and fish dishes. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this aromatic rice is sure to impress with its delicate fragrance and gentle spice.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Fennel seeds | ½ teaspoon |
| Cardamom seeds | ½ teaspoon |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 184.8 kcal |
| Fat Content | 1.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 6.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 0.4 g |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
Instructions
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Combine the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the basmati rice, water, fennel seeds, and cardamom seeds. Stir gently to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
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Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the water to a boil. Keep an eye on the pot to avoid it overflowing.
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Simmer with Lid On: Once the water has reached a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting where it can still simmer gently. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Important: Do not lift the lid during cooking, as the trapped steam is essential for properly cooking the rice.
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Let It Cook: Allow the rice to cook for 15 minutes undisturbed. Resist the urge to stir or peek! This step ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs the fragrant spices.
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Rest the Rice: After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let it stand, with the lid still on, for another 5 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to firm up and helps the flavors fully develop.
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Fluff and Serve: After the rice has rested, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
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Serve: Serve the cardamom and fennel flavored rice as a side dish with curries, roasted meats, or grilled fish for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
Key Benefits
- Low Protein: Ideal for those looking to limit their protein intake while still enjoying a flavorful side dish.
- Vegan: Completely plant-based, making it a great choice for vegan diets.
- Low Cholesterol: A heart-healthy dish with minimal cholesterol content.
- Healthy: With its use of whole grains and aromatic spices, this rice is both nutritious and flavorful.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Tips
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon or cloves to create your own unique rice blend. You can also add a few slivers of almonds or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: This rice pairs wonderfully with creamy curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad or a protein of your choice.
Customer Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
“This rice is a lovely change from plain rice! The spices are subtle but so aromatic. It went perfectly with our chicken curry, and I’ll definitely be making this again!” – Sarah T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
“Super easy to make and incredibly flavorful. I love how it turned out with my grilled salmon – a simple but elevated side dish.” – Mark L.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, this Cardamom and Fennel Flavored Rice will become your go-to side dish for a wide range of meals. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to bring a touch of warmth and elegance to your table. Enjoy!
