This fragrant Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice is made with basmati rice, a variety of whole spices including cardamom, cumin, and cinnamon, and a rich chicken or vegetable stock. This recipe creates a perfectly fluffy and aromatic side dish with a rich flavor, a beautiful golden color, and a light texture. It’s the ideal accompaniment to any curry feast and serves four to six people.
Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice Ingredients
- ½ tsp coriander seeds
- 6 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 8 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 75g butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp black mustard seeds
- 300g basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 500ml chicken or vegetable stock
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
How To Make Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice
- Prepare the spices: Using a pestle and mortar, pound the coriander seeds into a coarse powder. Add the cardamom pods and lightly crush until the husks split. Add the cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves and pound very lightly to combine.
- Sauté the aromatics and spices: Melt half of the butter (37.5g) in a sauté pan or wide saucepan over a medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic and fry for about 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until they are softened.
- Toast the spices: Sprinkle in the ground turmeric, black mustard seeds, and the pounded spice mixture from the pestle and mortar. Fry gently for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to release their fragrance.
- Cook the rice: Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the pan and stir well to coat every grain in the buttery spices. Pour in the stock and a good pinch of black pepper. Add a pinch of salt if needed, especially if you are using low-sodium stock.
- Simmer: Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then give it one final stir. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to its lowest setting, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Fluff and serve: When the rice is cooked, remove the lid and cut the remaining butter (37.5g) into small pieces. Dot the butter over the hot rice and let it melt for a few seconds. Quickly fluff up the rice with a fork, being careful not to break the grains. Replace the lid and let the rice stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t lift the lid: It’s critical not to lift the lid while the rice is simmering. The steam trapped inside the pan is what cooks the rice evenly and gives it its signature light and fluffy texture.
- Rinse your rice: Rinsing the basmati rice in cold water before cooking is an essential step. It removes excess starch, which prevents the grains from sticking together and ensures they remain separate and fluffy.
- Keep an eye on the spices: When toasting the spices, do not let them burn. Keep the heat on medium and stir them constantly. Burnt spices will create a bitter flavor.
- Serve with caution: Remember to warn your guests not to eat the whole spices like the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaves.
What To Serve Pilau Rice
Pilau rice is the perfect accompaniment to almost any curry, especially a rich and saucy one like a Beef Curry or a Chicken Balti. It also pairs wonderfully with tandoori chicken, kebabs, or a hearty lentil dahl. A simple dollop of plain yogurt or a fresh side salad of tomato and cucumber can add a cooling contrast.
How To Store Pilau Rice Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Let the rice cool as quickly as possible, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for no more than 1 day. When reheating, ensure it is piping hot throughout to prevent any risk of food poisoning.
- Freeze: It is not recommended to freeze cooked rice as the texture can change significantly upon thawing.
Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my rice sticky? The most common reason for sticky rice is not rinsing it thoroughly enough. Rinsing removes the excess starch that can cause the grains to clump together. Also, ensure you do not stir the rice after adding the stock and covering the pot.
- Can I use a different type of rice? Basmati rice is the traditional and best choice for pilau rice due to its long, separate grains and unique aroma. Other long-grain rice varieties can work, but the final texture will not be the same.
- Why does the recipe use whole spices? Whole spices provide a more authentic and complex flavor than ground spices. They slowly infuse the rice as it cooks, creating a more fragrant and nuanced dish without overpowering the final result.
Try More Recipes:
- Hairy Bikers Keema Curry Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Egg And Bacon Pie Recipe
- Hairy Bikers Chinese Chicken Curry Recipe
Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice Recipe
Description
The Hairy Bikers’ Pilau Rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that is the perfect partner for any curry. The recipe uses the absorption method to create light, fluffy rice infused with the rich aromas of whole spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, finished with a final touch of butter for a luxurious taste and texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound the whole spices in a pestle and mortar.
- Melt half the butter and sauté the onion and garlic. Add the turmeric, mustard seeds, and the pounded spices. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat. Pour in the stock and season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
- Remove the lid, dot the remaining butter over the top, and fluff with a fork.
- Replace the lid and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
