Curried Basmati Rice Recipe

I love preparing Curried Basmati Rice for its delightful aroma and flavors. I combine basmati rice with sautéed onions, minced garlic, curry powder, and turmeric, while the optional raisins and toasted nuts add a subtle sweetness and crunch. This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of grilled meats and curries.

I’ve gotta tell you about my new take on Curried Basmati Rice. I was looking for a side dish that could really shine when paired with curries or even grilled meats and vegetables and this recipe truly came through.

Using 1 cup of well-rinsed basmati rice, I simmered it gently in 2 cups of water (or if you prefer, chicken broth) after sautéing a medium chopped onion and 2 garlic cloves in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. A dash of 1 teaspoon curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, salt and a pinch of black pepper really brings out the flavour.

I sometimes toss in 1/4 cup raisins for that hint of sweetness and even a bit of toasted almonds if I feel fancy. I’ve seen these ingredients pop up in other Curried Rice Recipes and I must say, it’s quickly become one of my favorite easy healthy meals.

Enjoy experimenting with this one!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I like this recipe because it’s easy to follow and doesn’t take hours to prepare, so even if I’m feeling lazy i can still whip up something tasty.
2. The mix of spices really pops and fills my kitchen with this amazing aroma that makes me feel all warm and nostalgic, almost like a cozy hug from my childhood.
3. I appreciate how versatile it is – i can pair it with curries, grilled meats or veggies, and even throw in extra raisins or nuts to give it a sweet or crunchy twist when im in the mood.
4. The crunchy toasted nuts and the option for a little raisin sweetness gives it a fun texture contrast that makes every bite interesting and keeps me coming back for more.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice is a healthy carb source that gives steady energy and useful fibre.
• Onions add a rich flavor and are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Garlic boosts the taste and might help the body fight off infections.
• Curry powder blends spices that aid digestion and bring a warm, earthy kick.
• Raisins naturally sweeten the dish, offering extra fibre and subtle tangy notes.
• Toasted almonds or cashews supply healthy fats and a satisfying crunchy twist.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A pinch of black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 cup raisins for a slight sweetness
• Optional: 1/4 cup slivered almonds or cashews, toasted

How to Make this

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee in a pot on medium heat

2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds

3. Toss in 1 chopped medium onion, cooking until it’s soft and just starting to brown, roughly 3-4 minutes

4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon curry powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; let everything cook together for 1 minute

5. Mix in 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice, making sure each grain gets well coated with the spices

6. Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth, then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and a pinch of black pepper; stir gently

7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked

8. Optional: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle in 1/4 cup raisins for a touch of sweetness

9. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes to let the flavors settle

10. Fluff the rice with a fork and top with 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds or cashews if you like extra crunch before serving

Equipment Needed

1. A medium or large pot with a lid
2. A colander for rinsing the basmati rice
3. A cutting board
4. A sharp knife
5. A set of measuring cups
6. A set of measuring spoons
7. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
8. A fork to fluff the rice
9. A burner or stove
10. (Optional) A small skillet for toasting the almonds or cashews

FAQ

Curried Basmati Rice Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have basmati rice, you can try jasmine rice. It still gives you a nice aroma even though the texture might be a bit different.
• Instead of water or chicken broth, you could use vegetable broth. It’ll add a hint of extra flavor for those who dont eat meat.
• If you run out of vegetable oil or ghee, butter or even coconut oil can work just fine in a pinch.
• Don’t have curry powder? Mix together a bit of paprika, turmeric, and a pinch of chili powder as a quick substitute.
• For a twist on sweetness and crunch, if raisins or nuts arent available, dried cranberries and chopped walnuts can be a cool alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Always rinse your basmati rice really well; this gets rid of extra starch and helps keep the grains separate instead of turning mushy.
2. When you add the cumin seeds, keep a close eye on them because they can burn super fast and ruin the flavor so stir gently and use medium heat.
3. If you can, use chicken broth instead of plain water because it makes the dish taste richer, and if you add the raisins or nuts, toss them in during the last few minutes so they don’t get too soggy.
4. Make sure your onions and garlic are cut evenly so that every bite gets a mix of the flavors; uneven pieces might leave you with some bites that are too strong and others too bland.