Fragrant Homemade Pilau Rice

Name: Fragrant Homemade Pilau Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 300 g basmati rice; 30 g butter or sunflower oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 500 ml vegetable stock or water; 1 cinnamon stick; 6 cardamom pods bashed; 2 bay leaves; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 0.5 tsp ground coriander; 0.5 tsp ground turmeric

A simple yet aromatic basmati rice dish infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric. This foolproof recipe delivers fluffy, golden grains that make the perfect side for any curry or grilled meat.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

basmati rice
300 g
butter or sunflower oil
30 g
large onion, chopped
1
vegetable stock or water
500 ml
cinnamon stick
1
cardamom pods bashed
6
bay leaves
2
cumin seeds
1 tsp
ground coriander
0.5 tsp
ground turmeric
0.5 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you have time, soak the basmati rice in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Rinse the rice under cold running water and drain well; repeat this process until the water is only slightly cloudy, then leave it in a sieve to drain completely.

Heat the butter or oil in a large pan with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and a generous pinch of salt, then fry gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden.

Stir in the cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, and bay leaves. Cook for 2 minutes to release their oils, then add the ground coriander and turmeric and cook for 1 more minute.

Gently stir the drained rice into the pan until every grain is coated in the spiced onion mixture. Pour in the vegetable stock or water and stir well to combine.

Cover the pan with the lid and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, give it one quick stir, replace the lid, and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn the heat off completely.