15+ Indian Rice Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

Indian cuisine offers many delicious rice recipes. These dishes reflect the vibrant culture and unique flavors of India. Rice is a versatile staple in many Indian meals.

Exploring Indian rice recipes is an exciting journey for your taste buds. You can find a variety of options, from classic biryanis to comforting pilafs. Each recipe brings something special to the table and can be adapted to suit your preferences.

1) Biryani

Biryani is a popular Indian rice dish full of flavors. It combines rice, spices, and meat or vegetables. Each region in India has its own twist on this dish.

To make biryani, you start by marinating the meat with spices. You then cook the rice separately, usually basmati rice. Layer the marinated meat and rice, and let everything cook together for a rich taste.

Biryani is often served with raita, a yogurt side dish, to balance the spices. Enjoy this tasty meal for special occasions or family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 500 grams chicken or lamb
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 2 tablespoons biryani masala
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the meat with yogurt and biryani masala for at least 30 minutes.
2. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
3. Heat ghee in a pot and fry the onions until golden brown.
4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add marinated meat and cook until browned.
6. Layer the rice over the meat.
7. Pour water (about 3 cups) over the rice; bring to a boil.
8. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 25 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and mint.

2) Pulao

Pulao is a tasty rice dish made with spices, vegetables, or meat. It’s fragrant and colorful, making it a great choice for any meal. You can find many variations across India, each with its own twist.

To make a simple vegetable pulao, you can use carrots, peas, and potatoes. The dish takes on a lovely flavor from spices like cumin, bay leaves, and cardamom. You can serve it with raita or salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1½ cups water (360 ml)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice in water until it runs clear. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds, cardamom, and bay leaf.
3. Add sliced onion and fry until golden.
4. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Add the rice and water along with salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

3) Khichdi

Khichdi is a comforting and simple dish made with rice and lentils. It is often considered a favorite in Indian households, especially during colder months or when someone is feeling under the weather. You can personalize it with your choice of spices and vegetables.

To make khichdi, you will need just a few ingredients that are easy to find. It’s a great dish that cooks in one pot, making cleanup quick and easy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup split yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 4 cups water (950 ml)
• 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chopped vegetables (like peas, carrots, or green beans)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and lentils together in water.
2. Heat ghee in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
4. Stir in the turmeric and optional vegetables.
5. Add the rice and lentils. Mix well.
6. Pour in the water and add salt.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
8. Cook for 20-25 minutes until soft.
9. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

4) Jeera Rice

Jeera Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish made with basmati rice and cumin seeds. It’s a common side dish in Indian cuisine that pairs well with various curries.

To make Jeera Rice, you start by cooking the rice. You can use a pot or a rice cooker. The cumin seeds add a nice aroma and subtle flavor to the rice.

You can serve Jeera Rice with dal, vegetables, or any curry of your choice. It’s an easy dish that brings out the best in your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice for about 30 minutes, then drain.
3. Heat oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
4. Add cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant.
5. Add the soaked rice and stir for a minute.
6. Pour in 2 cups of water and add salt.
7. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

5) Veg Fried Rice

Veg Fried Rice is a tasty and colorful dish. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch. You can use any vegetables you have on hand.

To start, cook rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, allow it to cool. This helps keep the rice grains separate.

Next, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and peas. Stir them for a few minutes until they are soft.

Then, add the cooled rice to the pan. Mix everything well. Season it with soy sauce and a pinch of salt. You can also add some pepper for extra flavor.

Cook for another few minutes until everything is hot. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious Veg Fried Rice!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell pepper)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onions and mixed vegetables. Stir for 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the cooled rice to the pan.
5. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Cook for another 3-5 minutes and serve warm.

6) Lemon Rice

Lemon rice is a bright and zesty dish that is easy to make. It’s perfect as a side or a light meal. You’ll enjoy its refreshing flavor and the crunch of peanuts.

To start, you’ll need cooked rice. Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy taste. Adding turmeric gives the rice a lovely yellow color. Seasonings like mustard seeds and green chilies bring heat and flavor.

This dish is simple, quick, and can be ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a great way to use leftover rice.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add mustard seeds and let them pop.
3. Stir in green chilies and peanuts.
4. Add turmeric and cooked rice. Mix well.
5. Pour in lemon juice and add salt.
6. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

7) Tamarind Rice

Tamarind Rice is a flavorful dish popular in South India. It has a tangy taste from tamarind pulp and pairs well with many meals. This dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed at any time.

To prepare Tamarind Rice, you start by cooking rice until it’s fluffy. Then, you mix it with a special tamarind paste made from soaking tamarind in warm water.

You can spice it up with ingredients like mustard seeds, peanuts, and curry leaves. Many people like adding a bit of jaggery for sweetness, balancing the tanginess.

Serve it warm with yogurt or pickles for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 tablespoons peanuts
• 1 tablespoon jaggery (optional)
• Curry leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice and let it cool.
2. Soak tamarind in warm water, then extract the pulp.
3. Heat oil and add mustard seeds and peanuts.
4. Add curry leaves and tamarind pulp. Mix well.
5. Stir in the cooked rice and add salt and jaggery.
6. Serve warm.

8) Curd Rice

Curd rice is a simple and refreshing dish popular in many Indian households. It is made by mixing cooked rice with yogurt, making it creamy and delicious. Curd rice is often enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal.

To prepare curd rice, you’ll want to start with freshly cooked rice. Let the rice cool before adding yogurt to avoid spoilage. You can add salt for taste and mix it well.

Adding spices like mustard seeds, cumin, and curry leaves can enhance the flavor. Some people like to include chopped vegetables or fresh herbs too.

Curd rice is great for cooling down on hot days. It’s also easy to make and perfect for lunchboxes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1-2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
• Curry leaves (optional)
• Chopped coriander, for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice and let it cool.
2. In a bowl, mix rice with yogurt and salt.
3. In a pan, heat a little oil.
4. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and let them crackle.
5. Add green chilies and curry leaves.
6. Pour this mixture over the rice and yogurt.
7. Garnish with chopped coriander.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

9) Tomato Rice

Tomato Rice is a flavorful dish that is easy to make. It’s bright and vibrant, making it perfect for any meal. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with a side of curry.

To make Tomato Rice, start with fresh tomatoes and spices. The tomatoes give the rice a rich taste. You can also add vegetables for extra nutrition.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
3. Add onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden.
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
5. Add the cooked rice and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

10) Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a tasty dish that adds a tropical flair to your meals. It’s soft, fragrant, and great with various curries or grilled dishes. The hint of coconut makes it special and delicious.

To start, you will need white rice and coconut milk. You can also add grated coconut for extra flavor. Cooking this rice is easy and enjoyable.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Grated coconut (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add sugar if desired, and stir gently.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
5. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Once cooked, let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork. Enjoy!

11) Mushroom Rice

Mushroom rice is a tasty dish that’s simple to make. It combines rice and mushrooms with spices for a warm, comforting meal. You can serve it with many foods or enjoy it on its own.

To start, you will need fresh mushrooms. You can use button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms. They add a rich flavor to the rice.

Cooking this dish is quick. Sauté onions and garlic in oil, then add the mushrooms. Once they’re softened, add the rice and water. Cook until the rice is fluffy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (basmati or long-grain)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
2. Sauté onions until golden brown.
3. Add garlic and sliced mushrooms; cook until the mushrooms are soft.
4. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add water, salt, and pepper, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked.

12) Mango Rice

Mango rice is a tasty dish that brings together the flavors of ripe mango and rice. It’s simple to make and perfect for warm days. You’ll love how refreshing it tastes!

To make this dish, start by cooking your rice until it’s fluffy. While the rice cools, peel and chop ripe mangoes into small pieces. You can use any variety, but sweeter mangoes work best.

In a pan, heat some oil and add mustard seeds. When they start to pop, add green chilies, curry leaves, and the chopped mango. Mix everything well, then add the cooked rice. Stir until the rice is coated with the mango and spices.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 large ripe mango
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• A few curry leaves
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice and let it cool.
2. Peel and chop the mango.
3. Heat oil in a pan, and add mustard seeds.
4. When they pop, add chilies and curry leaves.
5. Stir in the mango pieces.
6. Add the cooked rice and mix well.
7. Season with salt and serve.

13) Garlic Rice

Garlic rice is a simple and flavorful dish. It combines the taste of garlic with fluffy rice, making it a great side for many meals.

To start, cook your rice as you normally would. You can use basmati or jasmine rice for the best results. While the rice cooks, sauté minced garlic in a bit of oil until it’s golden brown.

Once the garlic is ready, add the cooked rice to the pan. Mix everything well to coat the rice with garlic flavor. You can also add some chopped parsley for freshness.

Garlic rice pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables. It’s quick to make and adds a nice touch to your dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice (basmati or jasmine)
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the cooked rice and mix well.
5. Season with salt and garnish with parsley if desired.

14) Egg Fried Rice

Egg fried rice is a tasty and quick dish you can make at home. It’s perfect for using leftover rice. The eggs add protein and make it satisfying.

You start by heating oil in a pan. Then, add chopped vegetables like peas and carrots if you like. Scramble some eggs in the pan until they are cooked. Toss in the rice and mix everything well.

Add soy sauce for flavor. You can also add spices to make it your own. Stir everything until it’s heated through. Enjoy your delicious egg fried rice!

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 180°C).
2. Add chopped vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
3. Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
4. Add the cooked rice and mix well.
5. Pour in soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until heated.
6. Serve hot, and enjoy!

15) Paneer Tikka Rice

Paneer Tikka Rice is a delightful dish that combines flavorful marinated paneer with fragrant rice. It’s a vegetarian option that many enjoy for its rich taste and simple preparation.

To make this dish, you will first need to marinate the paneer cubes. Use yogurt, spices, and lemon juice to create a tasty mix. After marinating, grill or pan-fry the paneer until it’s golden brown.

Next, cook some basmati rice separately. You can add spices like cumin and bay leaves to the water for extra flavor. Once the rice is ready, gently mix in the paneer and any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers and onions.

This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Serve it warm with raita or salad on the side.

Ingredients

• 200g paneer
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Spices (like paprika, turmeric, and garam masala)
• Vegetables (like bell peppers and onions)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the paneer into cubes.
2. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl.
3. Marinate paneer cubes for at least 30 minutes.
4. Grill or pan-fry the marinated paneer until golden.
5. Rinse and cook basmati rice with spices until done.
6. Combine cooked rice with paneer and vegetables.
7. Serve warm.