Vegan Indian Basmati Rice Recipe
Restaurant-style Indian basmati rice is spiced with whole cloves, peppercorns, and cumin. Vegetarians and vegans can enjoy this dish.
- Preparation:
- Cooking:
- Total:
- Serves: 3 persons
Ingredients
- 1cup basmati rice, uncooked
- Water for soaking
- 2tablespoons olive oil, or peanut oil
- 1-inch cinnamon stick, broken in half
- 1bay leaf
- ½teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1whole clove , or 2 to 3 if you really like cloves
- ½teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1large onion , chopped thin
- 2cups water
- ½teaspoon salt, or to taste
Instructions
Step 1
Gather the ingredients.Step 2
Cover the basmati rice with water in a small bowl and set aside. Allow the rice to soak for 20 minutes.Step 3
Once the rice is done soaking (after 20 minutes), drain any excess water and move on to the next step.Step 4
Over medium heat, warm the olive oil or peanut oil in a sauté pan or large skillet and add the cinnamon stick (break it in half), bay leaf, cumin seeds, whole clove, and peppercorns . Warm these spices for just 10 to 15 seconds, then add the chopped onion and heat until the onion is well cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.Step 5
Add the soaked but uncooked basmati rice to the pan. Toast it, stirring, for 20 to 30 seconds, just until lightly browned, then add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.Step 6
Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and allow the rice to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed. You can stir occasionally, as needed.