Aromatic Pilaf Basmati Rice

Aromatic Pilaf Basmati Rice

Dr. Wendy Dearborne
Fragrant basmati rice that is spiked with whole aromatic spices and garnished with green peas takes this simple side dish to another level. As aside dish, rice acts as a compliment to the main course and can enhance your dining experience. 
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 People
Calories 537 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium pot with tight fitting lid.

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups basmati rice washed and drained
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 2 whole cardamoms green
  • 3 whole bay leaves
  • 1/2 cup shallots finely minced
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 2 – 3 tbsp oil neutral flavored
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 cups boiling water
  • 1/2 cup green peas defrosted and warmed through
  • 1/2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • On medium heat add cooking oil to the pot. When oil is hot add whole spices and saute for 2 minutes.
  • Add shallots and cook until transparent, but not brown.
  • Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes or until fragrant.
  • Add drained basmati rice and stir fry for 3 – 5 minutes. Make sure each grain of rice is coated with oil. The grains of rice will look a little translucent around the edges.
  • Add 1/2 tsp salt to the boiling water.
  • Use caution as this will bubble and splatter aggressively: Pour in hot water and salt, stir well then cover with lid. Turn heat down and cook for 25 minutes.
  • Remove from heat. DO NOT lift the lid.
  • Let cooked rice sit undisturbed with lid on for 5 minutes.
  • Using a fork, fluff rice and remove ALL the whole spices.
  • Fold in green peas. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Notes

Substitutions:
 
You can substitute whole spices with cinnamon, ginger root, lemongrass etc.  Any spice  that is fragrant.   Remember, a little goes a long way.
Stock can be used in place of water.
Flat leaf parsley can be used in place of cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 4gCalories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 9gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 312mgPotassium: 260mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 185IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 2mg
Keyword basmati, pilaf, rice, whole spices
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