Cardamom and Fennel Flavored Rice

Elevate your mealtime with this aromatic Cardamom and Fennel Flavored Rice, a simple yet elegant dish perfect for pairing with curries, roasted meats, or vegetable stews. Delicately spiced with fragrant green cardamom pods, fennel seeds, and a touch of cinnamon, this basmati rice recipe takes on a rich depth of flavor, further enhanced by the use of ghee or butter. A hint of sweetness from optional caramelized onions and a fresh cilantro garnish make it a versatile side that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. With just 5 minutes of prep and minimal effort, this quick and flavorful rice dish can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 5 pieces Green cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon Ghee or unsalted butter
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 0.5 cup Onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a medium pot or saucepan, heat the ghee or unsalted butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the fennel seeds, green cardamom pods (lightly crushed to release their aroma), bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Stir and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 4

If using onion, add the thinly sliced onion to the pot and sauté until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. This step is optional but adds a layer of depth to the flavor.

Step 5

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot. Gently stir to coat the grains with the aromatic ghee and spices, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the water, add salt, and stir briefly.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and transfer to a serving dish.

Step 10

Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your fragrant Cardamom and Fennel Flavored Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(823.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	432.2

Total Fat 15.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 33.5mg	0%
Sodium 1204.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 65.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 9.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 122.2mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 311.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.9%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 59.8%