Fragrant Indian Rice
Fragrant Indian Rice is a simple yet aromatic side dish made with basmati rice simmered in water infused with bay leaf, star anise, and cardamom. The result is light, fluffy rice with a subtle, spiced aroma—an elegant companion to curries, dals, or roasted vegetables.
Equipment
- Medium pot with lid
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 star anise
- 1 cardamon pod, lightly crushed
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and prevent stickiness.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, bay leaf, star anise, cardamom pod, and salt.
- Bring to a boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook low: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 10 minutes on low heat without lifting the lid.
- Let it rest: After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and keep the lid on. Let the rice sit undisturbed for another 10 minutes to finish steaming.
- Fluff and serve: Gently fluff the rice with a fork, remove the aromatics, and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute Spices
If you don’t have star anise, swap in a small cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a slightly different but equally aromatic flavor.
Optional Tip
For a richer finish, stir in a small knob of vegan butter or ghee right before serving.
Perfect Texture Tip
Leaving the lid on after turning off the heat lets the rice finish cooking in its own steam, creating soft, separate grains without overcooking.
Storage
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore fluffiness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 servingCalories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 4gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 90mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 0.5gCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.4mg
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