Indian-Style Pilaf Recipe

Name: Indian-Style Pilaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil; 4 whole cardamom pods; 1 piece stick cinnamon; 5 whole cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 4 bay leaves; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Servings: persons

1
If desired, wash rice and let stand in cold water for 30 minutes.
2
Drain.
3
Saute onion in butter in a pot until golden.
4
Add cardamom pods, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and bay leaves and saute two minutes.
5
Add rice and saute two minutes, stirring to color all grains.
6
Add water and salt, bring to a boil, cover and simmer over very low heat 15 to 20 minutes.
7
Turn off heat and allow to stand, covered and undisturbed, until needed.
8
Fluff before serving.
9
(The whole spices are not meant to be eaten.)

305

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup long-grain rice, 1 medium onion, chopped, 2 tablespoons butter or vegetable oil, 4 whole cardamom pods, and more.

Yes, Indian-Style Pilaf falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Indian-Style Pilaf

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions