Aromatic Brown Basmati Rice With Indian Spices

Adding a touch of spice to Basmati rice adds a little something extra to Indian dishes. Most restaurants and indeed most Indian chefs I know serve white rice with their meals. I prefer the health benefits of whole grains, so I go for brown or red rice every time. Preparation of this versatile side dish is simplicity itself.

Fragrant Brown Basmati Rice With Indian Spices
Adding a touch of spice to Basmati rice adds a little something extra to Indian dishes. This side dish is simplicity itself.
Servings: 9 1/2 cup servings
Calories: 117kcal
Ingredients
Stovetop Method:
- 1 1/2 cups brown Basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed in cold water
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1 medium bay leaf
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 3 green cardamom pods
Instant Pot Method:
- 1 1/2 cups brown Basmati rice, thoroughly rinsed in cold water
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- 1 medium bay leaf
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 3 green cardamom pods
Instructions
- Rinse rice and transfer to a medium saucepan.
- Add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and water.
- Cover and bring to a boil at medium-high heat. This should take about seven minutes.
- When the water has reached a boil, reduce heat to a low simmer. Cover again and steep for 40 minutes.
- Uncover, and test to see if the water has been absorbed by the rice*. You can do this by pushing a little aside with a fork to see if any water is pooling at the bottom of the pan.
- Fish out the bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardomom pods. Discard.
- Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Cover and allow to rest for ten minutes more. Fluff again and serve hot.
Instant Pot Method:
- Add all ingredients to Instant Pot.
- Set Instant Pot on manual, high, 15 minutes, natural release. Remove spices.
- Fluff with a fork and serve hot.
Notes
*If the rice still has liquid, cover and continue cooking another ten minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 5IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.6mg
Below are the equipment and products I used in this recipe. Click on the photo to order yours through my affiliate link with Amazon.com, for which I receive a small advertising fee. Please visit my Store for more information.
All-Clad 5-Ply Stainless Cookware
This is a good basic set that will serve most of your needs.
Both versions of the recipe – stove top and Instant Pot worked out perfectly. The brown basmati rice comes out moist, fluffy and has a wonderful aromatic flavor!
Hi,Libby! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you enjoyed this simple recipe. Happy Holidays, Danielle
A simple recipe when you have several curries, and side dishes to contend with. And brown rice too!