Indian Rice
A flavorful Indian-inspired rice dish with raisins, peanuts, and aromatic spices, perfect for a hearty side or light main for those who enjoy savory-sweet combinations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and celery in melted margarine until tender.
- Stir in water, uncooked rice, parsley, chicken bouillon, curry powder, allspice, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to boiling, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in raisins and chopped peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using vegetable broth instead of water. You can substitute the margarine with olive oil or coconut oil for a different taste. If you want to enhance the dish, add cooked chicken or chickpeas for protein. Adjust the spices to your liking; more curry powder can give it a bolder flavor. This dish is versatile and can be paired with side dishes like Curry Chicken And Vegetable Stir-Fry.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Indian Rice as a main dish or as a side to complement grilled meats or vegetables. It pairs wonderfully with Tandoon Chicken (Roasted Chicken)(Indian) or a fresh salad for a light meal. Garnish with additional parsley or peanuts for an appealing presentation. You can also serve it alongside yogurt or raita to balance the spices.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out, then microwave on low or heat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. For best results, stir occasionally while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indian Rice contains roughly 231 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it requires a longer cooking time and more water. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly for optimal results.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply replace margarine with a plant-based oil like olive or coconut oil, and use vegetable broth instead of water. This will keep the dish flavorful while adhering to a vegan diet.
What can I add to make this rice dish spicier?
To add more spice, consider incorporating chopped green chilies or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also serve it with a spicy chutney on the side for an extra kick. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).