Name: The Easy 30 Minute Pilau Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 20 g (1 ½ tablespoons) salted butter; 1 brown onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 sprigs thyme, leaves picked; 1 bay leaf; 3 whole cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ¼ teaspoon ground coriander; 250 g (1 ¼ cups) basmati rice; 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock

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This fragrant pilau rice recipe is quick, easy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with basmati rice, aromatic spices, and vegetable stock, it’s the perfect side dish to pair with curries, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in only 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
Packed with warm, aromatic spices for authentic flavor
Pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes
Simple pantry ingredients with restaurant-quality results
Fluffy, fragrant rice every time

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

20 g (1 ½ tablespoons) salted butter
1 brown onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 sprigs thyme, leaves picked
1 bay leaf
3 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground coriander
250 g (1 ¼ cups) basmati rice
500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock

Directions

Heat butter in a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent.
Add thyme leaves, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, cumin, turmeric, and ground coriander. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes to release the aromas.
Mix in the basmati rice, coating all the grains with the spice mixture.
Pour in the hot vegetable stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to very low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 11 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
Remove from heat, fluff rice with a fork, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as a side dish.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add frozen peas or chopped carrots for a colorful vegetable pilau.
Swap vegetable stock for chicken stock for extra depth.
Stir in toasted nuts such as cashews or almonds before serving.
Replace thyme with fresh cilantro for a different herb profile.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier version.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pilau rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to keep it moist.
Microwave in short bursts, covered, with a spoonful of water to prevent drying.
Freeze cooled rice in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ghee instead of butter?

Yes, ghee adds a rich, nutty flavor that works beautifully in pilau rice.

Do I need to rinse the rice first?

Rinsing basmati rice removes excess starch, helping the grains stay fluffy and separate. It’s recommended but not mandatory.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply replace the butter with olive oil or coconut oil.

What type of rice works best?

Basmati rice is ideal for pilau because of its long, fluffy grains and fragrant aroma.

Can I cook this in a rice cooker?

Yes. Sauté the spices and aromatics first, then transfer everything to the rice cooker with stock and rice. Cook as you would plain rice.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Use the correct stock-to-rice ratio and avoid stirring the rice while it cooks. Fluff with a fork after resting.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely. Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a hearty main dish.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, pilau rice can be made ahead and reheated. Store it in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

What can I serve pilau rice with?

It pairs wonderfully with curries, grilled meats, stews, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone dish with yogurt.

Why is my rice mushy?

Too much liquid or cooking at too high a heat can make the rice mushy. Keep the heat low and stick to the measurements provided.

Conclusion

This easy 30-minute pilau rice recipe is a fragrant, flavorful side dish that complements almost any meal. With its perfect balance of spices and fluffy texture, it’s quick enough for weeknights yet special enough for entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.

Ezabella