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East African Pilau Rice

A quick, easy, and aromatic one-pan dish packed with warm flavors from cumin, smoked paprika, curry, and cardamom. This highly-flavored vegetarian rice dish will satisfy any meat lover.
Course Sides
Cuisine African
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 521kcal
Author Imma

Ingredients

  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) oil, butter, or ghee
  • ⅓-½ cup (50-75g) cashews (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) cumin
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon (.5g) curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon (1-2g) star anise
  • 1 teaspoon (1-2g) pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 teaspoons (10g) minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) minced ginger
  • 1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cups (400g) basmati rice
  • 4 cups (945ml) liquid (broth, water, and coconut milk are all good)
  • teaspoon (7g) salt or more (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon (1-2g) white or black pepper

Instructions

  • Heat a saucepan with oil or ghee. Sauté the cashews for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add all the spices: cumin, cardamom, smoked paprika, curry, star anise, pepper flakes, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Stir for about a minute.
  • Then, toss in the garlic, ginger, jalapeño, and onions, and continue cooking for another minute. Add the tomatoes and bell pepper—continue cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, then add 4 cups of broth or coconut milk, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until rice is completely cooked—18-20 minutes. You may need to add more stock as the rice cooks to keep it from drying out.
  • Once cooked, fluff the rice, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf and enjoy.

Notes

  • Add some vegetables and top it with shrimp for a one-pot meal.
  • Let the rice rest a few minutes before fluffing so it fully absorbs the moisture.
  • Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 521kcal | Carbohydrates: 88g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1022mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1257IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3mg