10+ Indian Rice Recipes for Delicious Meals

Indian rice recipes offer a delightful way to explore the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. From fragrant basmati to spiced variations, these dishes can turn a simple meal into something special.

You’ll discover how to prepare different rice dishes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor.

These recipes not only highlight the versatility of rice but also incorporate various spices that make Indian food so unique. With these dishes, you can impress your family and friends or enjoy a cozy meal at home. Get ready to dive into the world of Indian rice recipes that will elevate your cooking skills and delight your taste buds.

1) Fragrant Basmati Rice with Cardamom

Fragrant basmati rice with cardamom is a simple yet delicious dish. The aroma of cardamom adds a special touch to your rice, making it perfect for any meal. This recipe enhances the natural flavor of basmati rice.

To start, rinse your basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps keep the rice fluffy. Then, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes.

In a pot, heat some oil and add whole cardamom pods. Sauté them for a minute to release their flavor. Next, add the soaked rice and stir for a few minutes.

Pour in water (1.5 cups for every cup of rice) and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1.5 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse rice until water is clear.
2. Soak rice for 30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pot and add cardamom pods.
4. Sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add soaked rice and stir for a few minutes.
6. Add water and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

2) Simple Coconut Rice Delight

Coconut rice is a flavorful and easy dish that brings a taste of India to your table. You can make it in no time using fresh grated coconut and some spices. This dish pairs well with many main courses.

To start, cook your rice as you usually do. In a separate pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies for flavor. Once the mixture is fragrant, add the grated coconut and stir for a few minutes.

Mix this coconut blend into your cooked rice. Enjoy your delicious coconut rice as a side dish or a light meal. It’s a comforting choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (Basmati or any rice you prefer)
• 1 cup grated fresh coconut
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• A few curry leaves
• 1-2 green chilies (optional)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
3. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
4. Stir in curry leaves and green chilies.
5. Add grated coconut and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine the coconut mixture with cooked rice.
7. Add salt to taste and serve warm.

3) Lemon Zest Rice with a Twist

Lemon Zest Rice is a bright and flavorful dish that can add excitement to your meals. You can make it with cooked rice, a burst of lemon juice, and zesty lemon peel.

To give it a twist, you can add nuts like peanuts for crunch or spices like cumin for extra flavor. Curry leaves bring a fantastic aroma to the dish, making it even more delicious.

This dish pairs well with simple curries or can be enjoyed on its own. Try it as a quick lunch or an eye-catching side at your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tablespoons peanuts (optional)
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 tablespoon curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
3. Stir in peanuts (if using) and curry leaves.
4. Add turmeric and salt, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Mix in the cooked rice, lemon juice, and zest.
6. Stir well and serve hot.

4) Spicy Tawa Pulao

Spicy Tawa Pulao is a vibrant and flavorful rice dish popular in Mumbai. It combines cooked rice with colorful vegetables and a special blend of spices.

You will use ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and pav bhaji masala to give the rice its distinct taste. The dish is usually cooked on a flat pan or tawa, which enhances the flavors.

This meal is quick to prepare and perfect for a busy day. Enjoy it with a squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander for a delightful experience.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked Basmati rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 potato, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pav bhaji masala
• 2 tablespoons butter or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter or oil on a tawa or large pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the potatoes and peas, cooking until tender.
4. Mix in the tomatoes and bell pepper, cooking for a few minutes.
5. Stir in pav bhaji masala and rice, mixing well.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

5) Tangy Tamarind Rice

Tangy Tamarind Rice, also known as Puliyodharai, is a popular dish from South India. It offers a unique combination of flavors that make it a delicious option for lunch or dinner.

This dish uses tamarind paste to give the rice a sour and spicy kick. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it great for picnics. Many people also prepare it for festivals or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons tamarind paste
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 10-13 curry leaves
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F or 180°C).
2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
3. Stir in curry leaves and chopped onions. Cook until onions are soft.
4. Mix in tamarind paste and salt, cooking for a few minutes.
5. Add the cooked rice, mixing well. Serve warm or at room temperature.

6) Traditional South Indian Curd Rice

Curd rice, also known as Thayir Sadam, is a classic dish from South India. It combines soft rice with creamy yogurt, making it a cool and refreshing meal. This dish is perfect for hot days and is often served as comfort food.

To make curd rice, you prepare the rice first and let it cool. Then, mix in fresh yogurt and season it with spices. Common spices for tempering include mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves.

This dish is simple yet delicious and pairs well with pickles or fried snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Oil for tempering

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, mix the cooled rice with yogurt.
3. Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
4. Once they splutter, add curry leaves.
5. Pour the tempering over the rice and mix well.
6. Add salt to taste and serve.

7) Egg Fried Rice with Indian Spices

Egg fried rice with Indian spices is a tasty and simple dish. You can make it with leftover rice, which is perfect for busy days. The dish combines fluffy scrambled eggs and fragrant spices for a satisfying meal.

Start by heating oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Next, toss in chopped onions and green chilies for flavor. Once they soften, add the cooked rice.

Then, stir in beaten eggs and mix well. You can also add vegetables like peas and carrots for color. Finish with soy sauce and a sprinkle of salt.

This dish is quick and full of flavor, making it great for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cooked basmati rice
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: mixed vegetables (peas, carrots)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add chopped onions and green chilies until softened.
4. Stir in cooked rice and mix well.
5. Add beaten eggs and cook until scrambled.
6. Optionally, mix in vegetables and season with salt and pepper.

8) Cinnamon-Spiced Rice

Cinnamon-spiced rice adds a warm and delightful flavor to your meal. This dish blends the sweetness of cinnamon with savory ingredients. It’s simple to prepare and perfect as a side dish.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need a few basic items that you probably have at home. Cooking this rice will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water (or broth)
• 1 tablespoon oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in cumin seeds and the cinnamon stick for about a minute.
5. Add the rinsed rice and water (or broth), and a pinch of salt.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

9) Herbed Lemon Mint Rice

Herbed Lemon Mint Rice is a refreshing dish that combines rice with fragrant herbs. The zesty lemon and fresh mint give it a bright flavor, making it perfect as a side or main dish.

For this recipe, you can use basmati or sona masoori rice. The rice is cooked with minced garlic and chopped herbs for added aroma.

This dish is simple to prepare and comes together easily in one pot. It’s great for lunch or dinner and pairs well with various curries and salads.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until they are soft.
4. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
7. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the chopped mint before serving.

10) Cumin-Infused Pilaf

Cumin-Infused Pilaf is a fragrant and tasty dish that brings warmth to your meal. The combination of cumin seeds and rice creates a delightful flavor that pairs well with many sides.

Start by heating some oil in a pot. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they release their aroma. Next, add your choice of basmati or jasmine rice and stir it well to coat with the oil.

Pour in water and let everything simmer. You’ll need to cook the rice until it’s fluffy and tender, which will take about 15-20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Enjoy your pilaf as a perfect side dish or a main course!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1.5 cups water
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add cumin seeds and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the rice and stir for another minute.
4. Pour in the water and add salt.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes until rice is fluffy.
7. Fluff with a fork and serve.