basmati rice pilaf

Name: Basmati Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups - uncooked basmati rice (regular white rice works ok, but basmati offers the best flavor); 2 tablespoon(s) vegetable oil; 1/3 teaspoon(s) ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground turmeric; 1 - bay leaf; 2 - whole cloves; 2 - black cardamom pods; 1/4 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh ginger, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon(s) garlic, minced or finely chopped; 2 - green chilies, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1/2 large tomato, chopped; 1/2 cup - green peas; 2 1/2 cups - water; 1 - teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice, fresh squeezed if possible

5 Pinches

Vickie Parks

Renton, WA

Updated on Apr 26, 2017

In Nepal, this dish is called Nepali Pulao. It's served at special occasions such as parties and weddings. But it's good enough to enjoy any day of the week. Basmatic rice has the best flavor for this recipe, but you can also use plain white rice as well.

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prep time 1 Hr

cook time 20 Min

method Saute

yield 4 to 6 (Prep includes time needed to soak rice)

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups - uncooked basmati rice (regular white rice works ok, but basmati offers the best flavor)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/3 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 - bay leaf
2 - whole cloves
2 - black cardamom pods
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic, minced or finely chopped
2 - green chilies, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 large tomato, chopped
1/2 cup - green peas
2 1/2 cups - water
1 - teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed if possible

How To Make basmati rice pilaf

Step 1

Rinse rice thoroughly 2 or 3 times, then soak in cold water for about 45 minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, heat 2 Tablespoons of oil in a large skillet. Add cumin and let heat until it just starts to change color. Add turmeric, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Stir in the ginger, garlic and chilies, and cook over medium heat for just a minute or so.
Step 3

Add onion, tomato and green peas, and cook for 3 minutes more. Drain the rice and add rice to the skillet, stirring gently for a minute or until thoroughly blended. Add water, and season with salt. Cook on high heat, stirring constantly. When water is almost all absorbed, stir in lemon juice.
Step 4

Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and allow the rice to simmer slowly for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, or until the rice is completely cooked. Serve immediately.
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