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You are here: Home / Recipes / Recipes by Cuisine / Indian / Easy Pilau Rice

Easy Pilau Rice

Published on February 8, 2019 by Helen Best-Shaw 43 Comments
Last Updated on December 8, 2021

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Fragrant and luxurious, yet so easy to make, pilau rice is a dish that every cook should master. This simply pilau rice recipe is ready in less than 30 minutes with about 3 minutes hands on time, which means you can create a dish fit for a Mughal emperor with no effort at all.

a casserole dish containing vibrant yellow home-made pilau rice. There are some cardamom pods, a stick of cinnamon and a bay leaf in the rice

Everything You Need To Know

  • Easy Pilau Rice
  • Why make this pilau rice recipe?
  • What sort of rice should I use to make Easy Pilau Rice?
  • Pilau Rice Ingredients
  • How to Make Pilau Rice – Step by Step
  • How to make brown pilau rice
  • Variations
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Can I make Homemade Pilau Rice ahead?
  • Freezing
  • FAQs
  • Easy Curry Recipes
  • Easy Homemade Pilau Rice
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Notes
    • Video

Easy Pilau Rice

Pilau (or pilaf, or pulao, or pollo) rice is so much more interesting than plain boiled rice. Spiced with cardamom, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon and bay leaves, it’s a delicious accompaniment to all kinds of savoury dishes, spicy or otherwise.

With a long history and venerable history across Asia, from Turkey to Bangladesh, there are endless variations on these fabulous rice dishes. Pilau rice recipes can contain meat or vegetables to make an all in one meal, or it can be a simple side dish, with the spicing and glorious vibrant yellow colour adding interest and flavours to a meal.

I’m a big fan of making my own fakeaway dinners rather than calling up a delivery. It means I know how healthy the meal is, I can adjust the flavours to how I like them, and it saves so much money! This easy pilau rice is a perfect example.

My pilau rice recipe takes about 30 minutes, which is less time than a takeaway delivery on a busy evening. Crucially, only about 2 or 3 minutes of that is hands-on cooking. This leaves you free to create your favourite curry or put your feet up after a long day.

Why make this pilau rice recipe?

  • It’s fabulous, fragrant and completely fuss free.
  • It is fast – ready in less than 30 minutes with only a few minutes hands on time,
  • This pilau rice recipe is naturally gluten free and vegan.
  • It’s endlessly variable, and you can add to it to make a one-pot meal.
  • Cheaper and better than takeaway.
  • Made from everyday store cupboard ingredients.

What sort of rice should I use to make Easy Pilau Rice?

Any long grain rice will do, as long as you don’t use a quick or easy cook or minute rice type. These tend to turn into a mushy, sticky mess.

You’ll get a better result if you use Basmati rice, which is much more flavourful and fragrant than plain long grain rice. Even better, if you can get it, is aged Basmati rice. Brown rice, including brown Basmati rice is fine, but you will need to increase the cooking time (notes on this below).

Helen’s Fuss Free Tip

I’m all in favour of anything that makes life easier in the kitchen, you might think that I would favour easy cook rice. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Easy cook rice is precooked and then dehydrated. This means some of the nutritional value of the rice can be lost before it ever gets to you. On top of that, it’s easy to make a mess of it. You can end up with mushy rice. I find it much easier to get good results from normal rice!

Pilau Rice Ingredients

Ingredients assembled and ready to make pilau rice: rice, bay leaves, stock, spices, oil.
  • Rice – A fragrant long grain rice is best, and by far the most widely available of these is Basmati. Don’t waste your time on ‘easy cook’ rice.
  • Bay leaves – The aromatic leaf of the laurel adds so much to your cooking. Don’t leave them out.
  • Stock – Use your favourite stock pot or cube.
  • Spices – cardamom pods, ground turmeric, cumin seeds, and cinnamon.
  • Oil – I prefer to use good quality olive oil.
  • Butter (optional, not shown) – I like to finish my rice with a knob of butter, but this is not essential if you prefer your rice dairy free.

How to Make Pilau Rice – Step by Step

Before you start, read my step-by-step instructions, with photos, hints and tips so you can make this perfectly every time.

Scroll down for the recipe card with quantities and more tips at the bottom of the page.

This is such a simple and easy to remember recipe. Just fry the spices, coat the rice, then add twice the volume of liquid to rice. After that, it’s simply cover and cook!

The turmeric, cardamom pods and cumin are shown cooking in a little oil.

Step One – Pour the oil into the bottom of a heavy saucepan, or casserole dish (Dutch oven). Heat over a low flame. 

Now crack the cardamom pods. The best way to do this is on a chopping board with the side of a heavy knife, or squash them under a tumbler or jam jar. Add the cardamom, turmeric and cumin to the pan and fry for a minute until fragrant.

The rice is added to the pan and stirred into the oil and spice mix, taking on the turmeric colour.

Step Two – Add the rice and stir to coat it with the spice and oil mixture. Cook for a minute or two. The rice will become transparent.

With the stock, bay leaves and cinnamon added, the rice is ready to cook. Once the lid is on, leave it alone!

Step Three – Pour over the stock. Add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick and stir briefly. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle simmer. Then put the lid on the pan, turn the heat right down, and leave on the lowest heat for 18 minutes.

Leave the lid in place and don’t be tempted to peek, because this will allow steam to escape, changing the proportions of rice to liquid.

When the cooking time is up, the rice should have absorbed all the liquid. Fluff it with a fork and cover it to stand.

Step Four – When the rice is cooked, take the pan off the stove top. The freshly rice will have absorbed all the liquid. Fluff the rice with a fork, replace the lid and allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes. If you have used a heavy pan (and you should), it will keep warm.

Helen’s Fuss Free Tip

Make restaurant quality pilau rice by adding a generous knob of butter or ghee, allowing it to melt and then stirring through just before serving.

How to make brown pilau rice

This pilau rice recipe is also delicious made with brown basmati rice. Simply follow the instructions above but increase the cooking time to 40 minutes.

Variations

  • Make an onion pilau rice very easily. Finely chop an onion and fry for a minute or two so that it is starting to colour before you add the spices. Treat mushrooms in the same way.
  • Vary the spices to suit your taste.
  • Make a lemon pilau by adding lemon zest with the bay leaves.
  • Vegetables that you would normally boil or steam can be added with the stock.
  • If you have some leftovers of cooked chicken or lamb, you can add this to the pan with the spices.
  • Garnish your homemade pilau rice with toasted almonds or cashews.

Tips and Tricks

Once you make this fakeaway pilau rice, you will never order rice with your Indian takeaway again.

  • There is no need to rinse the rice. If you do rinse the rice, then reduce the amount of stock by 2 tbs.
  • This recipe uses more liquid than if you had cold ingredients in a cold pan.
  • I make my easy pilau rice in a heavy cast iron casserole or Dutch Oven. Use the heaviest pan you have. A sturdy pan heats evenly and will prevent hot spots and burning.
  • Use a pan with a lid that fits. If the lid doesn’t fit properly then some steam will escape. This means you could end up with dry rice. If the lid isn’t tight, add a extra spoonful of water at the start.
  • Cook on the lowest heat. If necessary, use a stove top heat diffuser or simmer ring to keep the heat low and even. These cost a few pounds or dollars and will last a lifetime.
  • If you like to use an electric pressure cooker, then try my Instant Pot pilau rice. 
A top down photo of a casserole dish containing vibrant yellow home-made pilau rice. There are some cardamom pods, a stick of cinnamon and a bay leaf in the rice

Can I make Homemade Pilau Rice ahead?

You can make this pilau rice recipe ahead, and reheat it in the microwave. It is so easy to make, however, that I doubt you will ever need to.

If you do make it in advance, be sure the rice is cool, and then keep it in the fridge for no more than 48 hours. (I prefer never to keep cooked rice in the fridge for more than a day.) Reheat thoroughly before serving. I usually do this in the microwave. Do not return to the fridge and reheat a second time.

Freezing

I’m a big believer in cook once and eat twice, so this recipe has been written to feed two twice. It will fill two standard plastic takeaway trays and makes enough for two people for two meals.

Two plastic takeaway trays filled with homemade pilau rice

Pack leftover pilau rice into shallow airtight containers, put the lid on and allow to cool. As soon as it is cool put in the fridge or freezer.

Fridge – Store for up to 48 hours. Reheat thoroughly and do not return to the fridge a second time.

Freezer – Freeze your homemade pilau rice to store for up to 3 months. Grab a tub from the freezer and defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating, or microwave from frozen.

FAQs

What gives pilau rice that yellow colour?

It can be turmeric, saffron or a combination of the two. I like turmeric and it is believed to have some excellent health-giving properties when cooked in food. It’s also a lot cheaper than saffron!

Can pilau rice be reheated?

Yes, but please take care with rice. If you don’t store it correctly, it can cause problems. Cool it quickly and keep it in the fridge for a day or two, or else freeze it. Reheat it thoroughly. Don’t reheat it and then chill it again.

Easy Curry Recipes

How about an easy homemade curry to go with your pilau rice?

  • Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry – let the slow cooker do the work with this delicious curry of tender chicken pieces in a rich coconut sauce
  • Leftover chicken curry – a classic retro style British curry to use up the leftovers from your roast chicken
  • Leftover turkey curry – a British style curry that is perfect for after Thanksgiving or Christmas
  • Easy Potato Curry – using canned potatoes means this easy and delicious curry comes together in a flash!
  • Lamb Rogan Josh – tender lamb, slowly cooked in a tomato curry sauce
  • Chickpea Curry – ready in under half an hour, with chickpeas cooked in a rich tomato sauce and spinach stirred in at the end
  • Raita – a classic Indian side to help cool after the hotter curries.
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a casserole dish containing vibrant yellow home-made pilau rice. There are some cardamom pods, a stick of cinnamon and a bay leaf in the rice
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4.97 from 29 votes

Easy Homemade Pilau Rice

My easy homemade pilau rice is a feast for all the senses. Colourful, fragrant and delicately spiced, this effortlessly impressive rice dish is guaranteed to lift the spirits.
Servings: 4
Author: Helen Best-Shaw
Prep Time4 mins
Cook Time18 mins
Resting Time10 mins
Total Time32 mins
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs vegetable oil
  • 5 cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • small piece cinnamon stick
  • 1 cup basmati rice (200 g)
  • 2 cups vegetable stock or broth (480 ml)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 knob butter (optional, to finish)
Metric – USA Cups

Instructions

  • Pour the oil into the bottom of a heavy saucepan, or casserole dish (Dutch oven) and heat over a low flame. Crack the cardamom pods on a chopping board with the side of a heavy knife. Add the cardamom, turmeric and cumin to the pan and fry for a minute until fragrant.
    1 tbs vegetable oil, 5 cardamom pods, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • Add the rice and stir until it is coated with the spice and oil mixture.
    1 cup basmati rice
  • Pour over the stock, add the bay leaves and cinnamon stick and give a quick stir. Add a little salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, put the lid on the pan and leave on the lowest heat for 18 minutes.
    small piece cinnamon stick, 2 cups vegetable stock or broth, 2 bay leaves
  • When the cooking time is over, take the pan off the stove top. The rice will have absorbed all the liquid. Fluff the rice with a fork, replace the lid and allow to stand for up to 15 minutes.
    For restaurant quality rice, add a knob of butter or a little ghee to the hot rice. Allow to melt and stir through before serving.
    1 knob butter

Notes

Homemade Pilau Rice – Tips and Tricks
  • Make brown pilau rice by using brown basmati rice and increasing the cooking time to 40 minutes.
  • There is no need to rinse the rice. If you do rinse the rice, then reduce the amount of stock by 2 tbs.
  • This recipe uses more liquid than if you had cold ingredients in a cold pan.
  • I make my easy pilau rice in a heavy cast iron casserole or Dutch Oven. Use the heaviest pan you have. A sturdy pan heats evenly and will prevent hot spots and burning.
  • Use a pan with a well fitting lid. If the lid doesn’t fit properly then some steam will escape and you might end up with dry rice. If the lid isn’t tight add a extra spoonful of water.
  • Cook on the lowest heat. If necessary, use a stove top heat diffuser or simmer ring to keep the heat low and even. These cost a few pounds or dollars and will last a lifetime.
  • If you like to use an electric pressure cooker, then try my Instant Pot pilau rice. 
Nutritional information
  • This recipe is 8 Weight Watchers Smart Points per portion
• Please note that the nutrition information provided below is approximate and meant as a guideline only.
• Unless stated otherwise cup conversions have been made with an online tool. For accuracy please check with your favoured conversion tool. We recommend buying inexpensive digital kitchen scales.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Homemade Pilau Rice
Amount Per Serving
Calories 267 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 484mg21%
Potassium 120mg3%
Carbohydrates 52g17%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 255IU5%
Vitamin C 0.5mg1%
Calcium 39mg4%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: Easy Pilau Rice, Homemade Pilau Rice, Pilau Rice

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Filed Under: Easy Rice Recipes, Indian, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegan Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes, £ Ingredients: Rice, Spices, Stock

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    Recipe Rating




  1. kim

    5 stars
    So much flavor and so easy too! Love this!

    Reply
    • Helen

      A great hands off recipe, so easy.

      Reply
  2. Sues

    5 stars
    This looks like the best and most flavorful rice ever… I can think of so many dishes it would be just perfect with. Or all on its own!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Really good with any curried dish.

      Reply
  3. Carly

    5 stars
    Pilau rice is so good, and I love how easy it is to make. I’ve always just cheated with shop bought, but now I will make from home.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So easy to make at home, and easily kept in the freezer for future use.

      Reply
  4. Bryan B

    5 stars
    Always a favourite of mine with curry. A good recipe to have for a decent fakeaway.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So easy to make.

      Reply
  5. Sophie

    5 stars
    A simple and easy recipe for a really tasty side dish.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Perfect with a nice curry.

      Reply
  6. Emily

    5 stars
    These flavors sound wonderful together. Can’t wait to make this rice!

    Reply
    • Helen

      Thank you I’ve got two tubs full in the freezer right now!

      Reply
  7. Jessica Formicola

    5 stars
    I love how quickly this is made! My family loved it and is already requesting it again!

    Reply
    • Helen

      I love that it is largely hands off.

      Reply
  8. Leslie

    5 stars
    I’ve never had pilau rice. I love the color and the spice combination. There are so many meals this would be great with.

    Reply
    • Helen

      it is the perfect accompaniment to a curry

      Reply
  9. Hollie Jackson

    5 stars
    Pilau rice is always good with curry dishes. Great to make your own at home.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So easy to make your own.

      Reply
  10. Carrie

    5 stars
    This sounds really tasty and a lovely way to serve rice. I like a bit of added flavor, I think rice needs it.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Flavoursome rice always makes a tasty side dish.

      Reply
  11. Paul W

    5 stars
    A great fuss free and easy to make recipe for a classic side dish.

    Reply
    • Helen

      So very easy to make.

      Reply
  12. jamie jones

    5 stars
    I really appreciate a recipe that I can just throw together and get great results. This is perfect.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Simple and successful make a great recipe.

      Reply
  13. Mandy

    5 stars
    I love the colour of the rice, and it sounds so tasty. Am definitely going to give this a try.

    Reply
    • Helen

      Such a lovely golden yellow.

      Reply
  14. Dawn

    5 stars
    Great easy to follow recipe for delicious looking rice.

    Reply
  15. Kelsey Wright

    5 stars
    Pilau rice is the best with curry. My husband would love this with his Friday night madras!

    Reply
  16. Gwen E

    5 stars
    A tasty flavoursome rice, looks perfect.

    Reply
  17. Faye Henderson

    5 stars
    This kind of tasty rice is so versatile. Lots of dishes that you could eat with it.

    Reply
  18. Mandy

    5 stars
    I always like pilau rice with my curry, they go so well together. Great recipe and so easy to do.

    Reply
  19. Jane

    4 stars
    I so often cheat with rice and buy ready prepped stuff. This makes it look so easy that I will definitely give it a go, and stop cheating!

    Reply
  20. Mark

    5 stars
    A good guide to making your own pilau rice. Ready prepared is so expensive.

    Reply
  21. L Potter

    5 stars
    We often make a curry for a weekend treat and having tasty pilau rice is the perfect side dish.

    Reply
  22. Melinda Patsy

    5 stars
    This was so easy to make and utterly delicious. Great for throwing together with things I already had in, we had it with chickpea curry.

    Reply
  23. Christopher

    5 stars
    Such a good way of cooking rice, and always successful. Your method is spot on.

    Reply
  24. Marie-Christine Wilks

    5 stars
    Just right, subtle but full of flavour. Shop bought is a thing of the past! Thank you for bringing this lovely rice to my go to recipes! ?

    Reply
  25. Maria Pais

    5 stars
    Delicious rice, easy to make, no more shop bought one !!!

    Reply
  26. Elgingold

    5 stars
    This is the best recipe I have tried for Pilau rice. I used a Creuset and only had short grain Basmati but it turned out perfect after only 20 minutes.

    Reply
    • Helen

      thank you. It’s the only way we make it now.

      Reply
  27. Salma

    5 stars
    Hi
    I love this recipe! Makes tasty rice. Only change I make is I brown the onions really well to get more darker colour on the rice. I do wonder how different it would be without the stock. Thank you!

    Reply
  28. Jennifer

    5 stars
    Absolutely perfect recipe. Made. Big batch last night as we had some friends over for a curry feast. This rice was the perfect accompaniment – smelled, looked and tasted wonderful. It’s easy to make and oh so much better than plain white rice. No cardamom pods here so I used seeds, also threw in some coriander seeds and fenugreek seeds. Yummy!!

    Reply
  29. Cindy

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe!!
    Super easy and quick to make. Measurements and cooking time are spot on!
    I couldn’t stop eating it ?

    Reply

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Headshot of Helen Best-Shaw, Food Blogger at Fuss Free Flavours I'm Helen, full time freelance food writer, photographer and blogger. On this site you will find my fuss-free recipes, travel and reviews. Learn more here
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