Craving fluffy, fragrant rice that elevates any meal? Look no further than basmati! This long-grain wonder isn’t just a delicious side dish, it’s the heart of countless flavorful Indian dishes. From the comforting simplicity of Dal Chawal to the vibrant explosion of Chicken Biryani, basmati rice offers endless possibilities. So, grab your rice cooker and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through the world of basmati!

Easy Basmati Rice Recipes 

Basmati rice is known for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, making it a mouthwatering ingredient in many Indian dishes. Zaaffran Foods brings you delicious and traditional basmati rice recipes that are easy to prepare at home with simple ingredients. Let’s explore some of the most popular recipes! 

Dal Chawal Recipe 

Dal Chawal is a staple in many Indian and Pakistani households. “Dal” refers to lentil stew, while “chawal” translates to rice. This simple combination provides a complete source of protein and complex carbohydrates, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. 

Simple Dal Recipe 

This hearty lentil soup is an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. It’s also very affordable and accessible to make and can be served with rice and roti. So let’s take a look at its secret ingredients and instructions.  

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils),  or chana dal(chickpeas) washed and rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • One medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish.
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Wash the masoor dal under running water until the water runs clear.
  2. Combine the washed lentils and water in a pressure cooker or a large saucepan.
  3. Add a pinch of turmeric powder and salt.
  4. Cook until the lentils are soft and mushy. Using a pressure cooker usually takes about 10-15 minutes after the first whistle. If using a saucepan, it may take around 30-40 minutes.
  5. In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.
  6. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  7. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  8. Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
  9. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Mix well.
  10. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil separates from the masala.
  11. Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well with the prepared masala.
  12. Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding water if necessary. Season with salt according to your taste.
  13. Allow the dal to simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  14. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  15. Optionally, squeeze some lemon juice on top for a tangy flavor.

Simple Rice Recipe 

Preparation of rice for daal chawal is very easy and needs minimum ingredients and efforts to make it really delicious. 

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup soaking basmati rice. 
  2. 1 teaspoon salt, to taste.
  3. Cumin Seeds

Instructions:

  1. 1 cup rinsed basmati rice, soaking for 20 minutes. 
  2. Allow 4 cups of water to come to a boil with the salt in a medium pot over high heat. 
  3. Cumin seeds we can add for a more good fragrance . 
  4. Drain, then bring the water to a boil with the soaked basmati rice. Reduce the heat to medium. 
  5. Cook, covered, for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender. 
  6. Using a colander or sieve, strain the rice.

For more aroma according to your preference you can add curry leaves or whole red chili or green chillies in a basmati rice dish. Dal served with rice, roti, or bread.

Matar Pulao

This flavorful rice dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s packed with protein and veggies and easy to make ahead of time.

Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup canola/sunflower/vegetable oil
  • One medium yellow onion, sliced in half rings
  • 1 teaspoon crushed ginger
  • 1 teaspoon crushed garlic
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon black peppercorns
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 2 cups rice

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a stockpot and add onions. Fry on medium-low heat until they are a medium golden brown, about 12 minutes.
  2. Add crushed ginger and garlic, and fry for 30 seconds.
  3. Add whole spices (cardamom, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, black peppercorns, cumin seeds) and fry for 1 minute.
  4. Add peas and fry for a few seconds.
  5. Add 4 cups of water, salt and rice. Bring to a boil.
  6. Lower to a simmer, and let the water boil for about 10 minutes.
  7. Once the water has boiled out, please remove it from the heat. Wrap a tight-fitting lid with a cloth and place it firmly on the pot. Bring the dial back to the lowest point and let the rice steam for 12 minutes.
  8. Remove from heat, place in a serving dish, and fluff the rice with a fork.

Chicken Biryani

Chicken Biryani is one of flavorful and aromatic basmati rice dishes made with marinated chicken pieces layered with fragrant basmati rice and cooked with a blend of spices.  

Ingredients:

Marinating Chicken

  • 500g chicken
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • Spices: red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, coriander powder
  • Salt, lemon juice

Rice

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • Water, salt, whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon)

For Biryani Masala

  • Two onions
  • 3 tomatoes
  • Green chilies
  • Red chili powder
  • Coriander
  • Cumin
  • Turmeric
  • Garam masala
  • Fresh coriander
  • Mint leaves
  • Ghee/oil

Instructions:

  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt, spices, salt, and lemon juice.
  2. Parboil rice with whole spices. Drain.
  3. Fry onions, add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes, green chilies, and spices.
  4. Add chicken and cook until partially done.
  5. Layer rice and chicken masala. Top with saffron milk, herbs, and fried onions.
  6. Cook covered on low heat until chicken is fully cooked and rice is done.
  7. Garnish with fried onions, herbs, and lemon wedges.
  8. Serve hot with a raita or side dish.

Other Basmati Rice Side Dishes 

  • Vegetable Fried Rice 
  • Chicken or Beef Pulao 
  • Vegetable Pulao 
  • Raw Rice Kabab 

Conclusion

Basmati rice is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from Dal Chawal to Chicken Biryani, and its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture elevate any meal.

Experience the joy of authentic cuisine with Zaaffran Foods & Catering! We offer a variety of dishes featuring aromatic basmati rice, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. Visit our website or contact us today to place an order. Follow us for more delicious recipe inspiration and let us know in the comments what your next favorite recipe should be!

FAQs 

What is Basmati Rice?

Basmati rice is a long-grain aromatic rice known for its fragrant smell and fluffy texture. It’s a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes.

What’s the difference between Simple Rice and Dal Chawal Rice?

Simple Rice uses minimal ingredients for a plain basmati rice side dish. Dal Chawal Rice incorporates additional elements like cumin seeds for a more flavorful accompaniment to lentil stew.

What are some easy Basmati Rice recipes?

Dal Chawal and Matar Pulao are both flavorful and protein-packed options that can be prepared quickly. They’re perfect for weeknight meals.

What’s in Chicken Biryani?

Chicken Biryani is a layered rice dish featuring marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a blend of warming spices.

How can I learn more about Basmati Rice Recipes?

Visit Zaaffran Foods & Catering website or follow them for recipe inspiration. You can also leave a comment suggesting your next favorite basmati rice recipe!