This easy seasoned basmati rice is flavored with aromatic cardamom and cumin. A fragrant, flavorful rice side dish that’s perfect with curries and more.
When I was making these Grilled Chicken Curry Thighs, I knew that I wanted a side dish to serve with it. Specifically, a rice side dish. I also knew that I didn’t wan’t just plain white rice. Enter this Seasoned Basmati Rice with Cardamom and Cumin.
Inspired by the Jeera Rice I get at our local Indian restaurant, this one is a little different because it has turmeric and cardamom. And the flavors are amazing. It’s smoky, nutty, and so aromatic. It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish or to serve with curries.
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.
Cumin Basmati Rice with Cardamom Ingredients:
- OLIVE OIL: To saute the aromatics and the rice.
- BAY LEAF: Adds an earthy, herbal scent to the rice.
- WHOLE CARDAMOM SEEDS: Adds a sweet, floral fragrance and flavor.
- WHOLE CUMIN SEEDS: The star of the show, cumin seeds add an earthy, nutty, smoky flavor.
- BASMATI RICE: Basmati rice is a traditional, Indian rice that has a nutty flavor and is very fragrant. It is a long grain rice that is dry, light and stays separate after it cooks. It’s less sticky than say, Jasmine rice.
- TURMERIC: Not traditional in jeera rice, but I wanted to add a touch of color to the rice. It’s totally optional.
- WATER: When I originally tested this recipe, I used chicken broth but I think it overtook the flavor of the aromatics so I highly recommend using water when making this rice. The rice will have plenty of flavor.
- SALT
Step by Step Photos and Instructions:
If you’ve made any kind of rice pilaf before, you’ll find making this Cumin Basmati Rice with Cardamom really easy. Even if you haven’t this rice is very easy to make! Just follow along with these step by step photos and instructions.
- STEP #1: Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cardamom and cumin seeds and cook just until fragrant. About 30 seconds. You just want to toast them you don’t want to burn them.
- STEP #2: Add in the rice and cook another minute or until its lightly toasted. Add in turmeric and salt. Stir.
- STEP #3: Pour in water and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- STEP #4: Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and leave covered for 5 minutes. Remove cover, fluff with a fork and serve.
Storage and Leftovers:
Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within a couple of days.
Looking for other rice recipes? Try these:
Garlic Rice Garlic lovers rejoice! I’ve got a new and super easy way to jazz up your rice.
Cilantro Lime Rice is a quick and easy way to jazz up steamed rice. Serve it alongside your favorite tacos or in a bowl for a burrito bowl.
Jazz up your rice game with this flavorful curry rice! This Jasmine rice seasoned with curry powder, onions, garlic and chicken broth makes a great side!
Elevate your meals with Mushroom Rice! This flavorful side dish is quick, easy, and perfect for mushroom lovers.
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cardamom seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cardamom and cumin seeds and cook just until fragrant. About 30 seconds. You just want to toast them you don't want to burn them.
- Add in the rice and cook another minute or until its lightly toasted. Add in turmeric and salt. Stir.
- Pour in water and add bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and leave covered for 5 minutes. Remove cover, fluff with a fork and serve.
