This is my favorite recipe for Indian style Basmati rice. We double the recipe and freeze our leftovers, which go wonderfully with all kinds of Indian dishes, from dal to chana masala (which also freeze well).
I freeze in serving-size containers so that I can heat them up for a quick lunch or dinner. My kids are a big fan of this rice, even eating the peas and cumin seeds, but you can always leave those out if not everyone is a fan.
Ingredients:
~ 1.5 cups Basmati rice ~ 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter, for a nice buttery flavor) ~ 2.5 cups water ~ 2 cinnamon sticks ~ 1 tsp cardamom powder ~ 2 whole cloves ~ 1 tablespoon cumin seeds ~ 1 cup frozen peas ~ salt, to taste (approx 1 teaspoon+) ~ optional: small onion
* For double the recipe, use 3.5 cups water.
Tip: you can also prepare this basmati rice recipe in your electric rice cooker easily.
Directions:
Soak rice in water, for approximately 20 minutes.
I prepare all my spices at once in a pinch bowl (leaving out the salt).
Heat your oil (or in this case, butter), and add your spices. Stir frequently, keeping on medium heat, and be careful not to burn the spices.
*You can also saute thinly sliced onions so that they caramelize, during this process. I left them out in this recipe because the kids prefer it without.
Drain the water from your rice, and add to the drained rice (no water) to the pot.
Stir the rice for a few minutes in the oil/spice mixture, until the rice is lightly toasted.
Add 2.5 cups of water, as well as your salt and peas, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to LOW and simmer for about 15 minutes, until water is absorbed. (Be careful that the temperature is not too high, or it will cook too fast and the rice will not be soft enough and require more water).
Allow to stand for 5 minutes, fluff carefully with a fork, and serve!
(And remember not to eat the cloves or cinnamon sticks!)
Thanks for your recipe, we all love a good rice dish here. I have never really thought about freezing rice but that really is such a good idea, then it can quickly be reheated! I will be trying this out.
I love food….. Really, I want to try this great recipe… Amazing. And I will reply you about this dish.
You are really commendable. I want to try your all recipes
That is a big bag of rice. My family would love this rice recipe.
We like basmati rice, I’ll have to try your recipe, it looks good!
I haven’t heard of Basmati rice, but my husband wants rice with every meal. I am sure we will need to try this!
This is such a lovely way to add flavour to rice. The spices make it so much tastier. I do love cardamom flavour in rice dishes.
I have tried the recipe for couple of times at my home before. It’s so good!
We love rice in our home, so I’m interested in giving this recipe a try. I bet the spices really add a lot of flavors!
Rice is life. But I’ve never tried adding cinnamon sticks in my rice. Looks yum!
Ooo! Cinnamon sticks in rice sounds so nice. Just a little bit of sweet.
I’ve tried cinnamon in rice and I loved it. I need to try your recipe too!
Ooh. This sounds so good! I love the aromatic spices you used for it! I can’t wait to make this.
I made this last night, and I absolutely loved it. It was the first time I’ve ever made rice like that!
This is some of the best rice I’ve ever made. I love the cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. I think I’m going to make this a side this Christmas, too.
Thanks for your recipe, we all love a good rice dish here. I have never really thought about freezing rice but that really is such a good idea, then it can quickly be reheated! I will be trying this out.
I use basmati rice often. I’ll have to try this recipe with all the spices.
I looooove all your recipes and tried them all…I can’t wait to try out this one, I love Basmati rice.
I love a good bowl of rice and this looks so good. Non of that instant stuff either.
What a wonderful way to enhance the flavor of rice! The spices really elevate the taste, and I especially love the cardamom in rice dishes.
Rice is a regular dish in our home. I haven’t tried Basmati before but it sounds delicious.
Honesltly had no idea that you could freeze and reheat rice before! What a great way to bulk make rice.
I love Basmati rice! I love how you double the batch and freeze it for quick meals—such a lifesaver for busy days!
Wow! This Basmati rice recipe sounds very interesting and delicious. Got to try it this weekend!
I am an Indian and we love eating basmati rice a lot. Especially in biryanis and few sweet dishes. I am glad that you also like eating basmati rice.
I never thought of making my own basmati rice before but it sounds quick and easy.