This clove spiced rice pilaf makes a flavorful main course dish to prepare for lunch or dinner. It makes an interesting combination to serve with grilled meats or curries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-6 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups vegetable broth/ chicken broth
- Salt and black pepper powder to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and bay leaf to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the butter and spices. Sauté the rice for about 2-3 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth/ chicken broth and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and bay leaf from the rice. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. If desired, garnish the rice pilaf with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.