| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 4g | 1g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 3g | 6g | 0.4g |
Meet one of my personal favorites: the Spicy Black Cardamom Basmati Rice. This dish is not only a delectable delight for your taste buds, but it also represents my love for blending cuisines, combining a taste of the South with a dash of international zest.
The Fusion Flavors
Rooted in the kitchens of South Carolina, I’ve always cherished the traditional compositions of Southern-style comfort food. However, I’ve also developed a fondness for incorporating global flavors into my dishes. This Spicy Black Cardamom Basmati Rice is a testament to that culinary exploration. It’s an amalgamation of the aromatic spices from Indian cuisine amalgamated with the fruity sweetness of Southern favorites like raisins and dried apricots to bring a new twist into a comforting rice dish.
The Health Perks
And if the taste wasn’t enough to lure you in, let me talk about its health benefits. The dish’s spice-star – black cardamom – is rich in antioxidants and has been linked to lower blood pressure levels, besides improving digestion. Meanwhile, basmati rice, a low-fat complex carbohydrate, helps fuel your body with energy without spiking up your blood sugar levels instantly – a win-win for all!
Our fruity fusion rice also boasts a healthy dose of dietary fiber from the dried apricots and raisins, promoting good digestive health. The added bonus? The fresh lime juice isn’t just there for the tanginess; it’s an excellent source of vitamin C, helping boost your immunity.
Looking for similar dishes? This recipe will leave fans of my Southern Fruit Salad delighted with its novel yet familiar fruity notes. And if you’re planning a meal, it pairs beautifully with a lean protein like grilled chicken or seared fish to create a balanced, healthy, and utterly delicious meal.
Happy cooking, and remember, the ultimate ingredient is always love.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 4 cups Water
- 2 Black Cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/2 cup dried Apricots, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh Ginger, minced
- 1 Jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked Paprika
- 1/2 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 Fresh lime, juiced
Method
Step One
Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is important to remove excess starch that can make the rice sticky.
Step Two
Place the rinsed rice in a large pot and add the 4 cups water, the black cardamom pods, and 1 teaspoon salt. The black cardamom pods are to impart a smoky flavor to the rice, but they should be removed before serving.
Step Three
Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step Four
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the turmeric, bay leaf, cumin seeds, and smoked paprika to the oil and let them cook for a minute or two, until the spices are fragrant.
Step Five
Add the finely chopped onion, minced ginger, chopped jalapeno pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes, until the onions become translucent.
Step Six
Add the raisins and chopped dried apricots to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let everything cook for another couple of minutes, until the dried fruit starts to soften and release their flavors.
Step Seven
Once the rice is cooked and the dried fruit mixture is ready, combine them together. Add in the chopped fresh parsley and lime juice. Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated with the spice and fruit mixture.
Step Eight
Serve the spicy black cardamom basmati rice while it’s warm. Enjoy as a side dish with your favorite curry or as a main dish on its own.
