Low Fat Fragrant Spiced Rice

Transform your mealtime with this Low Fat Fragrant Spiced Rice, a beautifully aromatic side dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. Made with fluffy basmati rice simmered in a blend of low-sodium vegetable broth and warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, this recipe bursts with enticing aromas and subtle flavors that elevate any meal. A hint of lemon zest adds a refreshing citrusy brightness, while an optional sprinkle of fresh cilantro provides the perfect finishing touch. Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, this low-fat, gluten-free rice dish is ideal for health-conscious food lovers seeking a fragrant accompaniment to curries, grilled proteins, or roasted vegetables. Whether served as a side or a light, standalone dish, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Whole cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 1 cup Vegetable broth (low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of vegetable broth to a boil.

Step 3

Add the rinsed rice, cinnamon stick, cloves, ground cardamom, bay leaf, and salt to the boiling water.

Step 4

Once the mixture returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice grains separate and fluff up.

Step 6

Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf from the rice.

Step 7

Gently stir in the lemon zest to add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the rice.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm as a delicious low-fat side or light main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(930.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	269.6

Total Fat 0.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1339.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.7g	0%
Total Sugars 1.2g
Protein 7.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 99.5mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 262.0mg	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: 3.0%

Protein: 11.9%

Carbs: 85.1%