Indian Spiced Rice

Indian Spiced Rice Recipe - Authentic & Flavorful

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Indian Spiced Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the sweetness of dates with the savory flavors of onion, green pepper, and spices. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or as a side dish to accompany your favorite Indian meal.

History

Indian Spiced Rice has its roots in traditional Indian cuisine, where rice is a staple food. The addition of dates, almonds, and spices like cloves and cardamom adds a unique twist to this classic dish, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of chopped dates
0.5 cup of chopped onion
0.5 cup of chopped green pepper
0.5 cup of slivered almonds
1 clove of minced garlic
1 tbsp of butter
2 cups of water*
1 cup of uncooked aromatic rice
1 tsp of grated lemon peel
0.75 tsp of salt
0.25 tsp of ground cloves
0.13 tsp of ground cardamom

How to prepare

Cook dates, onion, green pepper, almonds, and garlic in butter in a 3 qt (2.84-liter) saucepan until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add water, rice, lemon peel, salt, cloves, and cardamom.
Heat to boiling; stir once or twice.
Reduce heat to simmer; cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork.

Variations

Add raisins or dried apricots for extra sweetness.
Substitute cashews or pistachios for almonds for a different flavor profile.
Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to retain their texture and flavor.

- Fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

- Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences for a more or less intense flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Indian Spiced Rice as a side dish with your favorite Indian curry or grilled meats. It also pairs well with yogurt raita or a fresh salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Indian Spiced Rice is to cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp and to simmer the rice until it is fluffy and fully cooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dates, you can substitute with raisins or dried apricots. You can also use any type of nuts in place of almonds.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook the rice. This will save you time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Indian Spiced Rice with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Indian Spiced Rice with a spicy curry dish like Chicken Tikka Masala or Lamb Vindaloo for a complete Indian meal experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and dairy (butter).

Summary

Indian Spiced Rice is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Indian Spiced Rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines the flavors of dates, almonds, and spices for a unique and satisfying meal. Enjoy this dish as a side or main course for a taste of traditional Indian cuisine.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was a renowned cook in our community, had been teaching me the art of cooking since I was old enough to reach the stove. She always said that good food was the key to a happy life, and she made sure to pass down her knowledge to me.

One day, as I was helping my grandmother prepare a feast for a family gathering, she handed me a small scrap of paper with the words "Indian Spiced Rice" written on it. She told me that this recipe was a family secret, passed down from generation to generation, and that it was time for me to learn how to make it.

I was thrilled at the prospect of learning a new recipe, especially one that had been kept within our family for so long. My grandmother began to teach me the intricacies of making Indian Spiced Rice, explaining each step in great detail and emphasizing the importance of using the freshest ingredients.

The first step was to sauté a mixture of onions, garlic, and ginger in ghee until they were fragrant and golden brown. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew I was in for a treat. Next, my grandmother added a blend of spices - turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom - which she had ground herself using a mortar and pestle. The spices released their flavors as they mingled with the onions and garlic, creating a tantalizing scent that made my mouth water.

The next step was to add the rice, which had been soaked and drained beforehand. My grandmother explained that this was crucial in order to achieve the perfect texture and consistency. She stirred the rice gently, making sure that each grain was coated with the fragrant spices. Then, she poured in water and brought the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat and letting it simmer until the rice was cooked through.

As the rice cooked, my grandmother taught me about the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking. She explained that each ingredient had a specific role to play in the dish, and that it was up to the cook to coax out their flavors and aromas through careful preparation and cooking techniques.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of waiting, the Indian Spiced Rice was ready. My grandmother fluffed the rice with a fork, releasing a cloud of steam that carried the scent of the spices throughout the kitchen. She garnished the dish with fresh cilantro and toasted cashews, adding a touch of freshness and crunch to the rich flavors of the rice.

As I took my first bite of the Indian Spiced Rice, I was transported to another world. The flavors were complex and layered, with each spice lending its own unique note to the dish. The rice was fluffy and perfectly cooked, with a subtle hint of ghee that added richness and depth.

From that moment on, Indian Spiced Rice became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just for myself when I needed a comforting meal. Each time I cooked it, I thought of my grandmother and the wisdom she had imparted to me through this recipe.

Now, as I pass on the recipe for Indian Spiced Rice to the next generation, I do so with pride and gratitude. I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that my grandmother shared with me, and I hope that this recipe will continue to bring joy and nourishment to those who taste it.

In the end, it is not just a dish of rice and spices, but a piece of my family's history and a reminder of the love and care that went into each and every meal we shared together. Cooking, for me, is not just about nourishing the body, but about nourishing the soul and preserving the memories of those who came before us. And for that, I am eternally grateful.