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

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings

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)
1½ 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