Microwave Curried Rice With Almonds
A quick and flavorful microwave curry rice dish featuring fragrant spices, raisins, and crunchy almonds. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting side, it combines aromatic seasonings with tender rice and sweet raisins, appealing to those who enjoy bold flavors and simple, wholesome meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chopped onion and oil into a 3-quart casserole. Cover tightly and microwave on High for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Wash rice briefly in a sieve under cold, running water; drain well.
- Add rice, instant chicken bouillon, allspice, turmeric, curry powder, pepper, raisins, and hot water to the casserole with the cooked onions and oil. Cover tightly.
- Microwave on High for 7 minutes; stir.
- Cover and microwave until liquid is almost absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes longer. Stir.
- Cover and let stand for 10 minutes.
- Stir again and top with almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider sautéing the onions until golden brown before microwaving. If you don't have instant chicken bouillon, you can use vegetable bouillon for a vegetarian option. For a nuttier flavor, try adding a tablespoon of coconut milk. Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less curry powder according to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this curried rice as a side dish to grilled meats or pair it with Chicken Tinola for a complete meal. It also complements a fresh salad or steamed vegetables well. Top with toasted almonds for an added crunch and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover curried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to keep the rice moist and microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the rice.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Curried Rice With Almonds contains roughly 1191 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 124g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (68% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 13g 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 it will require a longer cooking time. Increase the microwave cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, and add extra water since brown rice absorbs more liquid.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you don't have raisins, you can use dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile. Fresh vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers can also be added for a fresh twist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce. You could also add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mix before microwaving.
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).