Soy-Free Spiced Pilau Rice

Transform your mealtime with this aromatic Soy-Free Spiced Pilau Rice—a vibrant and fragrant dish that’s perfect as a standalone meal or a flavorful side. Made with long-grain basmati rice and infused with whole spices like cinnamon, green cardamom, and cloves, this pilau rice recipe delivers layers of rich, earthy flavor without any soy. A golden touch of turmeric adds warmth and color, while sautéed onions, fresh ginger, and garlic elevate every bite. Optional peas provide a pop of sweetness, and a cilantro garnish completes the dish with fresh, herbal notes. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly recipe is a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3.5 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 4 pods Green cardamom pods
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 medium Yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger (grated)
• 0.5 cup Frozen peas (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice several times until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.

Step 4

Stir in the sliced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and golden.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric powder and salt, followed by the rinsed basmati rice. Toss to coat the rice in the fragrant spice mixture.

Step 7

Carefully pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 9

If using frozen peas, stir them into the rice during the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through.

Step 10

Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let the rice sit (covered) for 5 minutes to steam further.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1526.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	908.1

Total Fat 31.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 24.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2431.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.0g	0%
Total Sugars 11.2g
Protein 21.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 276.7mg	0%
Iron 12.4mg	0%
Potassium 801.7mg	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: 30.2%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 60.4%