Low Sodium Spiced Pilau Rice

Transform your mealtime with this vibrant and aromatic Low Sodium Spiced Pilau Rice, a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite! This recipe swaps heavy seasoning for an intoxicating blend of natural spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, creating layers of flavor without the need for extra salt. Fluffy basmati rice is infused with golden turmeric and paired with sweet peas, zesty lemon juice, and fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish. Perfect for those looking to maintain a low-sodium diet without sacrificing taste, this side dish is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with curries, grilled proteins, or roasted vegetables. Indulge in the comforting warmth of this heart-healthy, fragrant pilau rice—no compromise on flavor required!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1.5 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 3 pieces Green cardamom pods
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Ginger, minced
• 0.5 large onion Onion, finely sliced
• 0.5 cup Frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Sauté the spices for 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns golden and translucent.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 6

Mix in the turmeric powder, and then add the drained rice to the pan. Stir gently to coat the rice in the spices and oil.

Step 7

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the peas, fresh cilantro, and lemon juice.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy this aromatic, low sodium spiced pilau rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(887.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	590.1

Total Fat 24.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 55.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 83.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.7g	0%
Total Sugars 8.3g
Protein 14.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 216.0mg	0%
Iron 8.6mg	0%
Potassium 595.5mg	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: 35.9%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 54.8%