Serves 4
45 min
Gluten Free Basmati Rice – Indian Style
Recipe GLPR5573e0a3370f22
A fragrant, aromatic Indian-style rice dish made with basmati rice, warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric, and simmered in gluten-free chicken broth. This mild version can be made spicy by adding fresh red pepper. The rice grains stay fluffy and separate, infused with subtle warmth and flavor. Serve as a side dish or add cooked chicken or beef for a complete meal.
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Ingredients
1 cup basmati rice
2 tablespoons butter or ghee
6 whole green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
2 to 4 tablespoons shredded carrots (optional)
3 cups gluten-free low-sodium chicken broth
1 cinnamon stick (3½ inches long)
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ fresh red pepper, sliced (optional, for spicy heat)
½ teaspoon sugar or stevia equivalent
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley sprigs for garnish
Directions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water, stirring gently with your fingers, until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well in a fine-mesh strainer.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the crushed cardamom pods and cinnamon stick; stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the drained rice to the pan and stir gently for about 1 to 2 minutes, coating the rice evenly with the spiced butter. This light toasting enhances the flavor.
Pour in the gluten-free chicken broth and add the ground turmeric, sugar or stevia, shredded carrots (if using), fresh red pepper slices (if making spicy), and salt to taste. Stir to combine.
Allow the mixture to rest, uncovered, for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the rice to absorb some moisture.
Bring the rice and broth to a boil over medium-high heat, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not stir during cooking.
Remove from heat. Remove and discard the whole cardamom pods and cinnamon stick (they will likely have risen to the top). Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
If desired, gently fold in cooked pieces of tender chicken, beef, or other protein. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley sprigs.
