From the golden-yellow color to the aroma of toasted cumin seeds, this dish lets you know a delicious meal is on the way!
I love the aromas emanating from the kitchen whenever I make a pot of Indian rice. They fill the entire house with culinary warmth, letting me know a delicious dinner is only a short time away.
If you asked me, I would have difficulty choosing my favorite cuisine. Italian, Indian, Thai, Mexican, Chinese, and Middle Eastern dishes are some of my favorites to cook. But, then again, French, Caribbean, Spanish, Polynesian, and down-home American barbecue all hold a place in my heart—and my palate. In other words, I love food—all food.
It wasn’t until I moved away from my favorite Indian restaurant four years ago that I started getting serious about Indian cooking at home. With limited (and overly expensive) restaurant choices where I relocated, I began to experiment more with curries and other Indian dishes in my kitchen.
This simple and easy rice recipe results in a perfectly light and fluffy texture every time—plus a warm, earthy, comforting fragrance that will make your mouth water. I rapidly discovered that making a big pot of rice meant having plenty of quick and easy side dishes for future meals. My freezer is full of single-serving containers of Indian rice. So go ahead and double or triple the recipe—and get meal-prepping to save time all week. It is so worth it!
Is Indian Rice Healthy?
The basmati rice used in this recipe is low in cholesterol and saturated fat while providing beneficial fiber and even a little protein. Basmati has a lower glycemic index than some other rice varieties and is naturally gluten-free. It also contains folic acid and eight essential amino acids. In other words, basmati rice might be a good choice to include as part of nearly any well-balanced diet.
How To Choose Among Popular Indian Rice Dishes
There are many Indian dishes you can make to accompany your rice. The recipe provided here is the perfect choice when making any curry, as you want to highlight the curry flavors rather than have the rice dish compete with them.
Biryani is one of my favorite Indian rice dishes. It layers vegetables and, if desired, spiced meat with the rice, making it a one-dish meal. This recipe for Vegetable Biryani is a great example; you can add any veggies you have. For a non-vegetarian version, add some chopped raw chicken, shrimp, or other protein when sautéing the onions and chilis. Pre-cooked protein can go in once the veggies are tender.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Go ahead and make a big pot of Indian rice because it stores well in the refrigerator or freezer. Once it cools to room temperature, put the rice in airtight containers where it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can also store it in freezer bags, and it does not need to be defrosted before reheating, making it a quick and convenient last-minute side dish.
What Are Some Other Spices I Can Add To Indian Rice?
To perk up the flavor profile of your rice, add mustard seeds and chili flakes when you sauté the cumin seeds. Ginger, curry powder, and saffron are some other options.
Can I Use Ground Cumin Instead Of Cumin Seeds?
Ground cumin can be subbed in for the cumin seeds—but wait until you add the turmeric powder to stir it in. It is preferable to use cumin seeds as the toasting helps impart a deliciously nutty and slightly peppery flavor to the rice. Whole seed spices also maintain their freshness longer than ground spices.
Serving Suggestions
Indian rice is the perfect accompaniment to many dishes. You can make a vegetarian meal by pairing it with Red Lentil Curry (one of my favorites), Coconut Curry, and Indian Roasted Cauliflower. No Indian meal is complete without naan, the traditional golden brown flatbread. It’s easy to make at home with this Naan Recipe—or go gluten-free with this recipe for Gluten-Free Flatbread. Don’t forget to put out a bowl of Raita on the side. This delicious cucumber dip will help to cool the heat and add incredible flavor to your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes. Drain the rice.
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add drained rice to the pan, stirring gently for 2 minutes to coat with oil and cumin. Then, add 2 cups water, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Stir and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from heat and let sit for a few minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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