Dairy-Free Fragrant Spiced Rice

Delight your senses with Dairy-Free Fragrant Spiced Rice, a vibrant and aromatic dish that's perfect as a side or standalone meal. This recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with a medley of warm spices, including cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom, enhanced by the earthy hues of turmeric. Sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh ginger form a flavorful base, while sweet pops of steamed peas add a bright, fresh touch. The dish is finished with chopped cilantro for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Completely free from dairy and packed with bold, comforting flavors, this spiced rice is easy to make in just 30 minutes. Whether paired with roasted vegetables or enjoyed solo, it’s a fragrant and wholesome addition to any table.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4 cardamom pods, crushed
• 4 cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the cinnamon stick, cumin seeds, crushed cardamom pods, cloves, turmeric powder, and bay leaf to the pot, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the spices are aromatic.

Step 5

Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot, and stir well to coat the rice with the spiced oil and onion mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the rice for 15 minutes undisturbed, until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8

About 5 minutes before the rice is fully cooked, scatter the frozen peas over the top of the rice without stirring. Cover the pot again to allow the steam to cook the peas.

Step 9

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing in the peas. Discard the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and whole spices if desired.

Step 11

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your dairy-free fragrant spiced rice as an accompaniment to your favorite main dish or as a delightful meal on its own.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1414.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	885.4

Total Fat 32.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2445.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 14.9g
Protein 24.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 318.8mg	0%
Iron 13.7mg	0%
Potassium 1064.8mg	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: 32.4%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 56.9%