Cardamom Coconut Pilau

Elevate your dinner table with the exotic flavors of Cardamom Coconut Pilau—a fragrant and creamy rice dish that’s as comforting as it is indulgent. This recipe pairs fluffy basmati rice with rich coconut milk and aromatic whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for a perfectly spiced, subtly sweet experience. Enhanced with caramelized onions, garlic, and ginger, every bite is layered with warmth and depth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this luxurious side dish is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of curries or grilled meats. Garnish with roasted cashews and fresh cilantro for added texture and a burst of freshness. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this coconut pilau brings a taste of tropical elegance to your plate.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 1.5 cups Coconut milk
• 1.5 cups Water
• 6 pieces Cardamom pods
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 1 large Onion, finely sliced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 cup Cashews, roasted (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the sliced onion and cook until soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 6

Mix in the rinsed basmati rice, stirring well to coat the grains with the oil and spices.

Step 7

Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add the salt and stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 9

Cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to retain steam.

Step 10

Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the pilau sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.

Step 11

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

Step 12

If desired, garnish with roasted cashews and fresh cilantro before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1360.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1158.0

Total Fat 45.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2467.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 169.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 34.5g
Protein 23.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 229.7mg	0%
Iron 10.3mg	0%
Potassium 1052.6mg	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: 34.9%

Protein: 7.9%

Carbs: 57.2%