Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary rice into a symphony of flavors, where each grain is perfectly infused with aromatic cumin, sweet raisins, and crunchy almonds. This Baked Basmati Rice Pilaf isn't just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant kitchens of India, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create at home.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure you have a medium-sized baking dish with a tight-fitting lid ready.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and lightly golden, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir to coat the rice with oil and onions, toasting it lightly for 2 minutes.
- Transfer the rice mixture to the baking dish. Pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the rice, and sprinkle salt to taste.
- Scatter raisins and slivered almonds evenly across the top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam and ensure even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
- Remove from the oven and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the rice to become fluffy.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving, ensuring the raisins and almonds are evenly distributed.
Tips
- Rice Rinsing is Crucial: Always rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separate grains that don't clump together.
- Toasting Matters: Take time to lightly toast the rice in oil before baking. This step enhances the nutty flavor and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: Use a 2:1 liquid-to-rice ratio for perfectly cooked, tender rice. Broth adds more flavor than water.
- Cover Tightly: Use a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam, which is essential for even cooking and preventing the rice from drying out.
- Resting Time is Important: Let the rice rest after baking to allow the moisture to distribute evenly and the flavors to meld.
- Customize Your Pilaf: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pistachios or add herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
