Water Chestnut Rice

Transform your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Water Chestnut Rice, a wholesome and aromatic dish perfect for any occasion. Made with fragrant basmati rice, crunchy chopped water chestnuts, and a delightful medley of spices like cumin, turmeric, and fresh chilies, this recipe brings a perfect balance of textures and bold flavors. The addition of ginger, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice enhances its zesty appeal, while toasted nuts lend a luscious crunch as an optional garnish. Cooked to perfection in a savory vegetable stock, this rice dish is not only easy to prepare in under 40 minutes but also versatile enough to complement a variety of mains or stand on its own as a satisfying vegetarian meal. Don’t forget the finishing touch of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati rice
• 1 cup Water chestnuts (canned or fresh, peeled and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 2 medium Green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 3 cups Vegetable stock or water
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Cashews or almonds (optional, toasted)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes, then drain.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté until they start to splutter, about 30 seconds.

Step 3

Add the chopped green chilies, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped water chestnuts, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5

Add the drained rice to the saucepan and sauté for 2-3 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable stock or water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 8

Mix in the fresh chopped cilantro and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Garnish with toasted cashews or almonds if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1366.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1005.0

Total Fat 37.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4990.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.7g
Protein 20.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 137.4mg	0%
Iron 9.5mg	0%
Potassium 2439.0mg	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: 32.5%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 59.7%