Basmati Rice with Black Cardamom and Lime Recipe

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One of the places black cardamom does play the lead is in simple rice dishes. Once again, dried chiles provide a spicy compliment to the pods' smoky resin flavors. But the real hero is lime juice, the perfect balance to black cardamom. The result is a hot, slightly sweet, and surprisingly complex rice dish perfect as a side for greens, lentils, or simply-cooked meat. [Pictured: Black cardamom pods.]

Recipe Details

Basmati Rice with Black Cardamom and Lime Recipe

Cook 40 mins
Total 40 mins
Serves 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup oil

  • 6 small dried red chiles, preferably chiles de japonés

  • 5 black cardamom pods

  • 2 cups long-grained rice, preferably basmati

  • 2 medium yellow onions, finely diced

  • Juice of 1 lime

Directions

  1. Heat a large pot on medium-high, then add the oil. When it starts to shimmer, add the chiles and black cardamom pods and stir constantly till fragrant, about 1 minute.

  2. Add the rice and onions and stir so the oil coats each grain. Scrape the bottom of the pan frequently to prevent sticking, as the rice will give off plenty of starch. When the edges of the grains have turned translucent and the centers are milky white, add 4 cups water, bring to a boil, and cover, turning the heat down to medium.

  3. After 25 minutes, lift the lid and check on the rice. Depending on the juiciness of your onions and the thirstiness of your rice, you may need to add some water or let some excess evaporate. Add salt to taste, loosen the stuck rice from the bottom of the pan, and add the lime juice. Let the rice cool slightly before serving.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
211 Calories
13g Fat
23g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 211
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 1g 4%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 6mg 30%
Calcium 30mg 2%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 158mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)