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Easy Rice Pilaf Recipe – Fluffy Basmati Rice in 30 Minutes

This easy rice pilaf recipe uses fragrant basmati rice cooked with onions and aromatic spices. The result is light, fluffy, and perfectly separated rice ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken, beef, seafood, or vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: south Asian
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups Basmati ricewashed and soaked
  • 3 cups Water or chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp Cooking oil or butter
  • 2 Medium Onions finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Cumin seeds
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 Black cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp Cumin powder
  • ½ tsp Red chili powder
  • 1 tsp Dried coriander
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsps Salt
Optional
  • 2 green chilies

Equipment

  • 1 Large deep pan or pot
  • 1 Wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring cups
  • 1 Fork

Method
 

  1. Rinse the basmati rice several times until the water becomes clear. Soak the rice in clean water for about 20–25 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat a deep pan over medium heat and add 2–3 tablespoons of oil or butter.
  3. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn light golden brown, stirring occasionall
  4. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cardamom pods. Cook briefly until the spices release their aroma.
  5. Stir in the ginger garlic paste and cook for about 1 minute.
  6. Add cumin powder, red chili powder, dried coriander, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 3–4 minutes.
  7. Add the soaked rice and stir gently so the grains are coated with the oil and spices.
  8. Pour in the water or broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 10–12 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
  10. Turn off the heat and allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

• Always wash and soak basmati rice to get fluffy and separate grains.

• Use the correct water-to-rice ratio to avoid mushy rice.

• Avoid stirring too much because it can break the grains and make the rice sticky.

• Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking for the best texture.