Easy 30-Minute Pilau Rice (Rice Pilaf)
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This easy pilau rice is fragrant with spices and herbs and cooked to fluffy perfection. This Indian side dish is perfect for serving with your favourite homemade curry recipes.
This rice is perfect for serving with my pork curry recipe, classic coconut chicken curry, chicken thigh curry, coconut salmon curry, and cauliflower curry. And these recipes should absolutely be served with this easy naan bread.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Flavorful Spices: The combination of cumin, turmeric, coriander, and cloves creates a rich and aromatic base.
- Perfect Rice Texture: Using basmati rice ensures long, fluffy grains that absorb the spices and stock well.
- Balanced Aromatics: The sautéed onions, garlic, and thyme add depth and a savory foundation.
- Versatility: This pilau rice can be easily customized with additional vegetables, nuts, or proteins.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Brown Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor.
- Garlic: Enhances the aromatic profile with a subtle pungency.
- Thyme: Adds a hint of earthiness and freshness.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses the rice with a subtle herbal note.
- Cloves: Contributes a warm, sweet-spicy flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: Adds warmth and a slight sweetness.
- Cumin: Brings a nutty, peppery flavor.
- Turmeric: Adds color and a mild, earthy taste.
- Ground Coriander: Provides a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor.
- Basmati Rice: The preferred rice for its long, fluffy grains and ability to absorb flavors.
- Vegetable Stock: Enhances the overall flavor with a savory depth.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Easy 30-Minute Pilau Rice recipe step-by-step
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat butter in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and translucent.
- Toast Spices: Add thyme, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, cumin, turmeric, and ground coriander to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Coat the Rice: Mix in the basmati rice, ensuring that all the grains are well coated with the spice mixture.
- Add Stock: Pour in the hot vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for about 11 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the stock has been absorbed.
- Finish and Fluff: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
📖 Variations
- Rice: Substitute basmati with jasmine or long-grain rice for a different texture.
- Stock: Use chicken stock for a non-vegetarian version.
- Aromatics: Swap thyme with fresh cilantro or parsley for a different herbal note.
- Add-ins: Incorporate peas, carrots, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a complete meal.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to taste, adding more heat with chili flakes or garam masala.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Use a Towel: If your pot lid isn't tight-fitting, place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to trap steam and cook the rice evenly.
- Resting Time: Allow the rice to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the flavors meld.
- Saffron Infusion: For a luxurious touch, infuse a few strands of saffron in warm water and add it to the rice.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled pilau rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the pilau rice in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: To reheat pilau rice, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Microwave or steam until it's piping hot throughout. Always reheat rice only once.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Pilau rice pairs well with curries, grilled meats, raita, chutney, or roasted vegetables.
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and ensure you fluff the rice with a fork after cooking.
Use high-quality spices, fresh herbs, and a good vegetable stock to enhance the flavor.
These are my favourite Indian dishes to serve with this pilau rice:
If you tried this Easy 30-Minute Pilau Rice please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!
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The Easy 30 Minute Pilau Rice
Ingredients
- 20 g (1 ½ tablespoon) salted butter
- 1 brown onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- 250 g (1 ¼ cups) basmati rice
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until soft and translucent.
- Add the thyme, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, cumin, turmeric, and ground coriander to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in the basmati rice, ensuring that all the grains are well coated with the spice mixture.
- Pour in the hot vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for about 11 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the stock has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rinse First: Before cooking, always rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.
- Use a lid: A tight-fitting lid ensures proper steam cooking. If your pot doesn't have a good lid, a clean kitchen towel under the lid can help seal in steam, ensuring fluffy rice.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating pilau rice, add a splash of water to keep it moist. Microwave or steam until it's piping hot throughout. Always reheat rice only once.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Pilau rice is versatile. Add veggies like peas or carrots for a colourful twist or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
