Learn how to make classic pilau rice in just three simple steps.
Pilau rice is traditional Indian rice that is perfect paired with a variety of classic Indian curries like healthy chicken tikka (opens in new tab), chicken bhuna, or keema curry (opens in new tab). Its golden yellow colour is made by turmeric, a natural food colouring agent, which dyes the rice during the cooking process. Spiced with cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, this pilau rice really packs a punch of flavour. It’s so easy to replicate this takeaway favourite at home as it takes just 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1tsp cumin seeds
- 1tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 onion, peeled and chopped
- 4 cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1tbsp turmeric
- 250g basmati rice
- 2 bay leaves
- 1-2 cinnamon sticks, broken
WEIGHT CONVERTER
Method
- Heat a large pan, which has a tight-fitting lid. Sprinkle the cumin seeds over the base and cook for 30 secs, stirring well to toast them but taking care not to burn them. Tip out of the pan into a bowl.
- Heat the ghee or oil in the pan. Add the onion and cook it over a medium heat for 5-7 mins, until it starts to soften. Crush the cumin seeds lightly with the cardamom pods. Add the cumin, cardamom, cloves and turmeric to the pan and cook for 1-2 mins.
- Rinse the rice well and add to the pan, along with 450ml boiling water, the bay leaves and cinnamon sticks and stir briefly just to mix. Bring the mixture to the boil, cover the pan and cook over a low heat for 12-15 mins, until the water is absorbed. Leave the rice in the pan but off the heat for a few mins before serving.
Watch how simple it is to make pilau rice
Top tips for making pilau rice
If you want to give this classic pilau rice a twist you could add veg to the rice once cooked. Try our mushroom and spinach pilau rice combo or opt for cooked peas or roasted vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, and carrot just like Gordon Ramsay's vegetable pilau rice. You could also add some more spice to this dish by stirring in a red chili or two when cooking.
How to store and reheat pilau rice
The rice may be prepared in advance. Store leftover pilau rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. You can freeze pilau rice easily too. Just make sure it is completely cooled and cooled quickly to room temperature before placing it into a freezable container or bag. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat until piping hot in the microwave on high heat.
Find out everything you need to know about cooking rice with our how to cook rice guide including how to prepare rice, how much rice per person, and how to store leftovers too.
Goes well with...
- Bombay potatoes (opens in new tab)
- Saag aloo (opens in new tab)
- Onion bhaji (opens in new tab)
- Peshwari naan (opens in new tab)
Jessica Dady is Senior Content Editor at Goodto.com and has over 10 years of experience as a digital journalist, specialising in all things food, recipes, and SEO. From the best food hampers to cookbooks, from the best cake stands to baking sets, Jessica has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to must-have food products. A passionate baker, she spends much of her time creating celebration cakes for friends and family - particularly for her two lucky children.
-
Slimming World's chilli and cauliflower rice recipe
This Slimming World chilli and cauliflower rice is easy to make, but healthy and satisfying to eat - the perfect mid-week supper that will please the whole family!
By Slimming World • Published
-
Video recipe! Smoked trout pate
goodtoknow has lots of easy Christmas recipes like Smoked Trout Mousse. Check out our easy step-by-step guide to making these Christmas starters with our new baking video below.
By GoodtoKnow • Published
-
Video recipe: Phil Vickery's ginger biscuits
These ginger biscuits look lovely and festive hanging from the tree at Christmas and they taste great too! Follow along in our easy step-by-step video recipe visit goodtoknow.co.uk/recipes
By Phil Vickery • Published
-
Munchies skillet cookie
A gooey, delicious cookie baked in a skillet. A great dessert for sharing with loved ones...
By Jess Meyer • Published
-
Mozzarella and tomato ‘bruschetta’ salad
A filling salad that doesn't shy away from flavour. Perfect as a hearty lunch or light dinner...
By Jess Meyer • Published
-
Coq au vin pie
A warming pie packed with tender chunks of chicken, succulent bacon and a rich red wine gravy...
By Rose Fooks • Published
-
The Queen’s dinner table rule means this everyday essential isn’t ‘allowed’ for her royal relatives
The Queen reportedly prefers a more 'formal' approach to mealtimes and prioritises traditional etiquette with her nearest and nearest...
By Emma Shacklock • Published
-
Royal Family's Christmas dinner menu at Windsor Castle confuses fans
Royal fans have been left baffled by the Christmas dinner menu's unfamiliar language
By Emma Dooney • Published
-
The Queen's hilariously clever trick to get guests to dinner in a timely manner
Queen Elizabeth II's clever way she got guests to dinner promptly.
By Selina Maycock • Published