Are you ready to transform an ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of India? This Curried Rice Pilaf is not just a recipe; it's a magical journey of aromatic spices, perfectly cooked basmati rice, and a symphony of flavors that will make your dinner guests wonder if you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a dish so delicious and fragrant, it'll become your new go-to recipe for impressing family and friends!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1/2 cup peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle curry powder over the onions and stir continuously for 30-45 seconds to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils, which will enhance the overall flavor of the pilaf.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with the onion and curry powder mixture, allowing the rice to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add frozen peas. Stir gently to combine all ingredients and distribute them evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice and help it become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot as a delicious side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Always rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains.
- Toast your curry powder briefly to awaken its deep, complex flavors before adding other ingredients.
- Use a tight-fitting lid when simmering to trap steam and ensure even, perfect cooking.
- Let the rice rest after cooking - this crucial 5-minute step allows steam to distribute evenly and makes the rice incredibly fluffy.
- For extra richness, consider using chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, or add a tablespoon of butter when fluffing the rice.
- Fresh spices make a huge difference - if your curry powder is more than 6 months old, replace it for maximum flavor impact.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
