10+ Basmati Rice Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Basmati rice is a popular choice for many home cooks due to its unique aroma and fluffy texture. It is a versatile ingredient that can complement a wide range of dishes.

You can create delicious meals with just a few simple recipes that showcase the wonderful qualities of basmati rice.

Whether you’re looking to make a comforting side dish or a hearty main course, there are plenty of options to explore. From pilafs to salads, basmati rice can be the star of your kitchen.

This article will help you discover easy and tasty basmati rice recipes that suit any meal occasion.

1) Perfect Basmati Rice with Chicken Curry

Cooking basmati rice to pair with chicken curry is simple. Start with high-quality basmati rice for the best flavor. Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear to remove excess starch.

Use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water for a fluffy texture. Combine the rinsed rice and water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat. Let it simmer on low for about 15 minutes.

After cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving alongside your delicious chicken curry.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse rice under cold water until clear.
2. Combine rinsed rice and water in a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
4. Simmer on low for 15 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
6. Fluff with a fork and serve with chicken curry.

2) Fluffy Basmati Rice Pilaf

For a delicious side dish, try making fluffy basmati rice pilaf. It pairs well with many main courses and is simple to prepare. Start with high-quality basmati rice for the best results.

You will need chicken stock or vegetable broth to add flavor. Don’t forget to sauté onions in oil or butter for added taste. A touch of salt and a bay leaf can enhance the aroma while cooking.

Once your rice is done, it should be light and fluffy, perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or butter
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear.
2. Heat the vegetable oil or butter in a pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté the diced onion until it is soft and translucent.
4. Add the rinsed rice and bay leaf, stirring for a minute.
5. Pour in the chicken stock or vegetable broth and salt.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

3) Mango Basmati Rice Salad

Mango Basmati Rice Salad is a fresh and tasty dish. It combines the nutty flavor of basmati rice with the sweetness of ripe mango. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side at dinner.

To make this salad, you’ll need cooked basmati rice, diced mango, and fresh lime juice. Adding cilantro and chopped nuts gives it a nice crunch. The ingredients work together to create a bright and colorful meal.

Ready to enjoy this delicious salad? Here are the ingredients and cooking instructions.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked white basmati rice
• 2 ripe mangoes, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like almonds or cashews)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked basmati rice and diced mango.
2. Add fresh lime juice and mix gently.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro and nuts.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

4) Herbed Basmati Rice with Pine Nuts

Herbed basmati rice with pine nuts is a flavorful side dish that’s easy to make. This dish combines the delicate aroma of basmati rice with nutty pine nuts and fresh herbs.

To start, you will need uncooked basmati rice, olive oil, and a mix of your favorite herbs. The pine nuts add a lovely crunch and rich flavor.

You can serve this rice alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. The bright flavors will enhance any main dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the rice and toast for a minute.
5. Add vegetable stock or water and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
7. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Stir in pine nuts and herbs before serving.

5) Spicy Vegetable Basmati Rice

You can create a flavorful dish with Spicy Vegetable Basmati Rice. This recipe is simple and perfect for a quick meal. It combines vegetables, spices, and rice into one pot, making it easy to prepare.

To start, soak your basmati rice in cold water for about an hour. Then, heat some oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.

Next, stir in a mix of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or peas. Season with spices such as cumin and chili powder for that extra kick. Cook everything together until the vegetables are tender, then add the soaked rice and water.

Let it simmer until the rice is fluffy. Serve your Spicy Vegetable Basmati Rice as a side or main dish to enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, bell peppers)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak basmati rice in cold water for about 1 hour.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
5. Add cumin and chili powder, mix well.
6. Add soaked rice and water, stir together.
7. Cover and simmer until rice is fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.

6) Coconut Basmati Rice with Lime Zest

Coconut Basmati Rice with Lime Zest is a delicious and fragrant side dish. It pairs nicely with many meals, especially Asian cuisine. The creamy coconut milk and fresh lime zest bring a bright flavor that enhances any plate.

To make this dish, you’ll need basmati rice, coconut milk, lime juice, lime zest, and a sprinkle of salt. Cooking it is simple and quick!

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ cup water
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, lime juice, lime zest, and salt.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low.
4. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
5. Fluff with a fork and serve warm. Enjoy!

7) Garlic and Herb Basmati Rice

Garlic and herb basmati rice is a flavorful side dish. The mix of garlic and fresh herbs adds a tasty twist to your meal. It’s easy to make and pairs well with many main dishes.

Start by cooking basmati rice until fluffy. While it cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add your choice of herbs, like parsley and thyme, to enhance the flavor.

Once the rice is ready, combine it with the garlic and herb mixture. Fluff it gently with a fork to mix everything nicely. You will enjoy this delightful dish!

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water (or chicken broth)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or others)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine the rice and water (or broth) and bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a pan.
5. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir in fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
7. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
8. Mix in the garlic and herb mixture gently. Enjoy!

8) Basmati Rice with Sautéed Mushrooms

Basmati rice pairs wonderfully with sautéed mushrooms for a tasty meal. The rice is fluffy and aromatic, while the mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor.

To start, cook your basmati rice according to package instructions. Use water or broth for added flavor. While the rice cooks, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter or oil over medium heat.

Add garlic, salt, and pepper to the mushrooms until they are golden brown. Finally, mix the mushrooms into the cooked rice. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring the water or broth to a boil and add the rice.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. In a skillet, heat the butter or oil over medium heat.
5. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute.
7. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and mix in the sautéed mushrooms.
8. Garnish with parsley if desired.

9) Lemon Ginger Basmati Rice

Lemon ginger basmati rice adds a refreshing twist to your meal. The bright flavors of lemon and ginger make this dish perfect as a side or even a light main dish.

To start, you’ll need basmati rice, fresh ginger, lemon juice, and zest. The combination is simple yet flavorful.

Ingredients

• 3 cups basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, combine rice, water, ginger, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
4. Cook for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork and add butter and lemon zest. Serve immediately.

10) Basmati Rice with Fresh Mint and Cashews

This dish combines basmati rice with fresh mint and crunchy cashews for a delightful flavor. It is a simple yet tasty way to enjoy rice.

First, rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for fluffier rice.

Next, cook the rice in water or broth. For added taste, you can toss in some chopped mint leaves during cooking.

Once the rice is done, mix in toasted cashews and more fresh mint. This adds both texture and a burst of freshness.

Serve hot as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup cashews, toasted
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil.
3. Add rice and salt, then reduce heat and cover.
4. Cook for about 15 minutes or until water is absorbed.
5. Stir in chopped mint and toasted cashews.
6. Serve warm.