Heart-Healthy Fragrant Spiced Rice

Elevate your mealtime with this Heart-Healthy Fragrant Spiced Rice, a wholesome and aromatic dish perfect for enhancing any dining experience. Crafted with nutrient-packed brown basmati rice, this recipe combines a medley of warm, earthy spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin for an irresistible flavor profile. Sautéed onions and garlic build a rich base, while a hint of turmeric adds vibrant color and anti-inflammatory benefits. Finished with fresh cilantro and a splash of zesty lemon juice, this golden-hued rice is as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether served alongside grilled vegetables or as a comforting standalone dish, this quick and easy recipe, ready in just 40 minutes, is a flavorful celebration of heart-healthy ingredients. Perfect for those seeking a balanced yet indulgent meal option!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the rinsed rice, making sure it gets well coated with the spices and onion. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the rice.

Step 5

Add the water, turmeric powder, and sea salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped cilantro and lemon juice.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or a main course, enjoying the aromatic and heart-healthy flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(856.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	475.5

Total Fat 18.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1223.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 75.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 7.0g
Protein 11.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 220.2mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 658.0mg	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: 32.0%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 59.3%