Best 4 Indian Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to India with our flavorful Indian Rice Pilaf, a symphony of aromatic spices, fluffy basmati rice, and an array of vegetables. This classic dish is a staple in Indian cuisine, enjoyed for its vibrant flavors and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, our collection of recipes will guide you through creating this delectable pilaf. From a classic vegetarian version to variations featuring chicken, lamb, or shrimp, we have something to satisfy every palate. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this fragrant Indian Rice Pilaf that promises to transport you to the heart of India with every bite.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

INDIAN RICE PILAF



Indian Rice Pilaf image

A delicious rice dish. Guaranteed to appease the masses and make 'em say, MMMMMMMMM Give me more!!!

Provided by TIBM

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

¼ cup water
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup long grain rice
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon paprika
2 pinches ground cloves
1 small onion, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Bring water and chicken broth to a boil.
  • Combine rice, curry powder, garlic powder, cinnamon, paprika, and cloves in a bowl; stir to mix. Add spiced rice and onion to the boiling broth. Cover and cook until rice is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 187.6 calories, Carbohydrate 40.1 g, Cholesterol 2.3 mg, Fat 0.7 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 440.1 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH INDIAN SPICES AND RAITA



Basmati Rice Pilaf with Indian Spices and Raita image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 cups basmati rice
1 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 green cardamom pods
1 teaspoon crushed coriander seeds
1 cinnamon stick
8 cloves
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
4 cups water
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
2 cups fresh green peas
Ground pepper
2 cups yogurt
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and minced
3 tablespoons chopped mint, or to taste
3/4 teaspoon ground roasted cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Wash rice by rinsing in cold water. Then soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Drain.
  • In a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until onion is tender. Add garlic, and saute for about a minute. Add cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. Saute for another minute and add the rice. Saute until rice is translucent and begins to brown. Add water, bay leaf and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partly covered, for about 10 minutes. Most of the water will evaporate and steam holes will show through rice.
  • Add peas, but do not stir. Cover tightly and let simmer for 5 minutes more. Turn off the heat and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, covered.
  • Prepare the raita: In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, cucumber, mint, cumin, chili powder and salt and pepper.
  • Uncover the pilaf, season with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon stick. Turn pilaf out onto a serving platter and pour half of the raita over rice. Pass remaining raita.

RICE AND LENTIL PILAF - INDIAN STYLE



Rice and Lentil Pilaf - Indian Style image

This is a comfort-food that is an adaptation of a Sara Moulton recipe. Basmati rice with the added flavors of whole spices toasted in oil, with lentils and potatoes. A bit of work, but well worth the effort.

Provided by LifeIsGood

Categories     Potato

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided
1 1/2 inches cinnamon sticks
6 cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon coriander seed
1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
2 dried red chilies
3 whole cloves
3/4 cup basmati rice
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
kosher salt
2/3 cup lentils
1/2 lb potato, cut into 1/2 inch cubes (boiling kind, like Yukon gold or Red Bliss)
3 medium carrots, grated
fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, bay leaf, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, chiles, and cloves and then cook for about a minute while stirring, until the spices become fragrant. Take the spices out of the pot and reserve. Turn the heat down to med-low and add the onion to the pan. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring once and a while, and then take the pot off the heat and set aside.
  • Rinse the rice in a colander. Once the rice is rinsed and drained, add it to the onion in the saucepan and put in the reserved spices and add the turmeric and cook over med-heat, stirring, for about 1 minute.
  • Add in 1 1/2 C water and 1/2 t salt to the mixture and bring it all to a boil over high heat. Cover the pan with a paper towel and then the lid. Let this simmer this way, over low heat, for approx.20 minutes, or until all the liquid has been soaked up. Take the pan off of the heat and set aside, leaving it covered, for approximately 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, combine the lentils, 2 C water and 1/2 t salt in a different saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Then put a lif on it and simmer, over low heat. for approximately 25 minutes (until the lentils get tender).
  • Now, heat the remaining 2 T vegetable oil, over medium heat, in a large nonstick skillet. Add in the potatoes and cook for approx 10 or 12 minutes, until the potatoes get a bit browned (stirring occasionally). Take the heat down to low and cook for about 5 minutes more. Then you can add the carrots to the potatoes and cook for 3 more minutes, or just until both are tender.
  • Next, you can fluff the rice with a fork and take out the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves and chiles. Then drain your lentils and stir them into the rice along with the potato mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.

30 MINUTE INDIAN CAULIFLOWER-CARROT-POTATO-PEA VEGETARIAN RICE PILAF



30 MINUTE INDIAN CAULIFLOWER-CARROT-POTATO-PEA VEGETARIAN RICE PILAF image

Categories     Broil     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 small onion, chopped
2 Tbsp pickled mango (regular or Indian grocery store, choose Mild)
Two cups Basmati (or long-grained white rice)
1 cup cauliflower (fresh)
1 microwaved cooked potato, peel and cubed.
1/2 cup baby or diced carrots (fresh or frozen).
1 tomato, diced
1 cup fresh or frozen green peas.
1 Tbsp turmeric powder.
2 Tbsp garam masala powder
2 Tbsp fresh finely-chopped ginger.
Buy Turmeric, garam masala and pickled mango at your local Indian grocery store.

Steps:

  • Part I - 5 minutes 1. In a deep pot, heat 3 Tbsp of butter, margarine or olive oil on high heat. 2. Add in chopped onions, 1 Tbsp turmeric, and 2 Tbsp pickled mango and fry until onions are light brown -- mash the pickled mango while frying. Part II 3. As the above mixture is frying, wash 2 cups of rice 5-times in cold water. 4. Add uncooked but washed rice into the the spicy mixture and stir. 5. Add 6 cups water, and keep on high heat. 6. Add in cauliflower, cubed cooked potato, tomato, carrots and frozen peas. If the final mixture is not completely covered in water, add more water. 7. Add 3 Tbsp salt, cover and bring to a boil. 8. As the mixture begins to boil, remove cover slightly to help steam escape, and reduce heat to low. 9. Let simmer for 15minutes or longer if needed (periodically taste to see if rice is cooked). Part III. 10. Once the mixture is cooked, stir in 2 Tbsp garam masala powder + 2 Tbsp fresh ginger and stir thoroughly. 11. Add salt to taste, and serve.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality rice: Basmati rice is a popular choice for Indian rice pilaf, as it has a long, slender grain that cooks up light and fluffy. If you can't find basmati rice, you can also use jasmine rice or long-grain white rice.
  • Rinse the rice before cooking: This will help to remove any starch and impurities from the rice, resulting in a fluffier pilaf.
  • Use a flavorful cooking liquid: Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or water can all be used to cook rice pilaf. For a more flavorful pilaf, use a broth that is seasoned with herbs and spices.
  • Add aromatics to the pilaf: Aromatics such as onions, garlic, ginger, and cumin seeds can help to add flavor and depth to the pilaf.
  • Toast the rice before cooking: Toasting the rice in a little bit of oil or butter before cooking will help to give it a nutty flavor and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Cook the pilaf over low heat: This will help to prevent the rice from burning and ensure that it cooks evenly.
  • Fluff the pilaf before serving: Once the pilaf is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and give it a light and airy texture.

Conclusion:

Indian rice pilaf is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. It is a great way to use up leftover rice, and it can also be made with a variety of different ingredients, making it a great dish for customizing to your own taste. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can easily make a delicious and impressive Indian rice pilaf that will be enjoyed by everyone at your table.

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