When it comes to Indian cuisine, there’s one staple dish that plays a vital role in most meals: rice. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fluffy or hearty and filling, a good rice recipe can elevate any meal. In this article, we’ll explore 18 flavorful rice recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. From classic Vegetable Biryani to innovative Garlic Rice, each dish is infused with the bold flavors and spices that Indian cuisine is known for.
In the following pages, we’ll delve into the world of aromatic grains and explore a variety of textures, temperatures, and tastes that are sure to satisfy any rice lover’s cravings. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a main event, these 18 recipes will provide you with endless inspiration for your next meal.
Vegetable Biryani
Experience the flavors of India with this simple and delicious Vegetable Biryani recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower)
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons yogurt
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add mixed vegetables, cumin seeds, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add basmati rice to the saucepan and stir well.
5. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
6. Stir in yogurt and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Jeera Rice
A flavorful and aromatic side dish, Jeera Rice is a staple in many Indian cuisines. This simple recipe yields a perfect blend of spices and rice to pair with your favorite curries or dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Drain the water and cook the rice with 2 cups of fresh water until it’s half-cooked.
3. Heat the ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat. Add jeera seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
4. Add the cooked rice to the pan, along with salt to taste. Mix well to combine.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is well coated with the jeera flavor.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Rice
This simple and aromatic Lemon Rice recipe is perfect for accompanying your favorite dishes, from grilled meats to seafood and vegetables. With just a few ingredients and some quick cooking time, you’ll be enjoying the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (if using) and cook until translucent.
3. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil and mix with the onion (if using).
4. Pour in the water, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Tomato Rice
This recipe is a classic and flavorful side dish that pairs well with many main courses. It’s an easy and quick meal solution that can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
7. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve the tomato mixture over the cooked rice.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Coconut Rice
Elevate your meals with this flavorful and aromatic coconut rice recipe, perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes from around the world.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
5. In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shredded coconut and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
6. Stir the toasted coconut into the cooked rice and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pulao
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines saffron-infused chicken, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice for a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 teaspoons saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add cumin seeds to the pan and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
5. Add saffron-infused water, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well.
6. Add soaked rice to the pan and stir gently.
7. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is cooked.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Curd Rice
A classic South Indian dish, Curd Rice is a comforting combination of fluffy rice, creamy curds, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup plain curd (yogurt)
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt, to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice and salt. Mix well.
2. Add the curd and mix until the rice is well coated.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro, grated ginger, and cumin seeds (if using).
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ghee Rice
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish infused with the rich taste of ghee (clarified butter), perfect for accompanying a variety of Indian-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 tablespoons ghee, melted
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat the ghee and vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cumin and stir for 1 minute.
5. Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the ghee mixture.
6. Add 2 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Masala Khichdi
This popular Indian dish is a flavorful combination of rice and lentils cooked together with aromatic spices, perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Masala khichdi is often served as a side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 1/2 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and lentils separately and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and combine the rice and lentils in a large pot with 4 cups of fresh water.
3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat; add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic, cumin, curry powder, and salt to the pan; sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour the spice mixture over the rice-lentil mixture and stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Peas Pulao
This flavorful Peas Pulao recipe is a classic Indian dish that combines the sweetness of peas with the savory taste of basmati rice. It’s an easy and quick recipe that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh peas
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add garlic, cumin seeds, and peas. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the peas start to soften.
4. Add the soaked rice to the saucepan and stir well to combine with the vegetables and spices.
5. Add water to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach Rice
This simple spinach rice recipe is a great way to add some extra nutrients and flavor to your meals. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
5. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Tamarind Rice
A flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with a variety of Indian main courses, this tamarind rice recipe is a staple in many South Indian households. With its tangy and slightly sweet taste, it’s a great accompaniment to spicy dishes.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
– 1/4 cup tamarind paste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the tamarind paste and mix well.
4. Add the cooked rice, cumin seeds, and salt. Mix everything together.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flavors are well combined and the rice is heated through.
6. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mushroom Biryani
Mushroom Biryani Recipe
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish from India, Mushroom Biryani is a perfect blend of saffron-infused basmati rice, tender mushrooms, and spices. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Add mushrooms, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
5. Drain the rice and add it to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
6. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Saffron Rice
This simple recipe yields a fragrant and flavorful saffron-infused rice dish, perfect for accompanying your favorite Middle Eastern or Indian-inspired meals. With its subtle yet distinct flavor, this Saffron Rice is sure to elevate any dining experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and combine it with the water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
3. In a small pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the soaked saffron threads and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir the saffron mixture into the cooked rice and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Egg Fried Rice
A classic Chinese dish that’s quick, easy, and delicious! This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and veggies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice; stir-fry for about 5 minutes, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
4. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in the beaten eggs and scramble them until cooked through.
5. Mix the eggs into the rice mixture. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Paneer Biryani
A flavorful and aromatic rice dish from India, Paneer Biryani is a perfect blend of spices, creamy paneer (Indian cheese), and basmati rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– 250g paneer (Indian cheese), cut into small cubes
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and cook the rice with 1 cup of fresh water until it’s half-cooked.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent.
3. Add coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked paneer cubes to the pan and mix gently.
5. Combine the half-cooked rice with the paneer mixture and mix well.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Paneer Biryani!
Curry Leaves Rice
This recipe combines the pungency of curry leaves with the simplicity of cooking rice, creating a delicious and aromatic side dish that pairs well with a variety of Indian dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 10-12 curry leaves (fresh or dried)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Optional: ghee or butter for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
2. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the curry leaves and fry until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir to combine with the curry leaves and oil.
4. Add the salt and water to the saucepan, stirring well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Garlic Rice
This classic side dish is a staple in many cuisines around the world, and with this simple recipe, you can easily create a flavorful and aromatic garlic rice to accompany your favorite meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 2 cups water
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the garlic oil mixture.
4. Add the water to the saucepan and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Discover the rich flavors of India with these 18 mouthwatering rice recipes! From classic Vegetable Biryani to creamy Curd Rice and flavorful Saffron Rice, each dish is a masterclass in spices and technique. Try the aromatic Lemon Rice, hearty Masala Khichdi, or savory Paneer Biryani for a taste of India’s diverse culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious cook, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal. With ingredients easily sourced from your local market, get ready to spice up your plate with the bold flavors of Indian cuisine!