– **Title**: Blackstone Indian Spiced Rice Bowls
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 inch ginger, grated
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
– 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
– Lemon wedges (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until they start to sizzle.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the spices.
6. Pour in the water or vegetable broth and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
7. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the mixed vegetables and chickpeas to the rice, gently folding them in to steam through.
8. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and with lemon wedges on the side for drizzling over the rice bowls.
Enjoy your flavorful Indian spiced rice bowls!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Basmati Rice: The star of this dish is basmati rice. Its long grains and nutty flavor make it perfect for absorbing spices. If you can’t find basmati, jasmine or long-grain white rice will work, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Ground Chicken: Ground chicken is lean and cooks quickly, but you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Spices: The spices create the dish’s unique flavor. If you don’t have garam masala, a mix of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon can work. Adjust the red chili powder based on your spice preference. If you like it milder, reduce the amount or use smoked paprika.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro brings a bright flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a nice alternative. Fresh herbs really boost freshness, so don’t skip them if possible!
Yogurt: Yogurt adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using coconut yogurt or a non-dairy alternative. It will give a different taste, but still delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Basmati Rice for the Perfect Texture?
Cooking basmati rice well is key to getting it fluffy and separate. Rinsing it under cold water removes excess starch, preventing stickiness. Here’s a simple method to ensure great results:
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, which takes a couple of minutes.
- Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio. So for 2 cups of rice, use 4 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. It’s crucial to keep the lid on during cooking.
- Cook for about 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes to let it steam.
By following these steps, your rice will turn out perfect every time. Enjoy the fluffy texture in your rice bowls!
How to Make Blackstone Indian Spiced Rice Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 1 lb ground chicken (or preferred protein)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for spice)
- Fried onions (for topping, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Blackstone Indian Spiced Rice Bowl takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 15 minutes cooking the rice and 15 minutes making the spiced chicken mixture. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and keeps your rice fluffy! In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once done, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken Mixture:
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it’s nice and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking them for an additional 1-2 minutes until you smell their wonderful aroma.
3. Add Chicken and Spices:
Now, it’s time to add your ground chicken (or whichever protein you prefer). Cook it for about 7-10 minutes, stirring until it’s browned and thoroughly cooked. Then, sprinkle in the spices: garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well so that all the chicken is coated in those tasty spices. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors nicely.
4. Make the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sriracha if you like a bit of heat. Blend well until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be your spicy sauce for the bowls!
5. Assemble Your Rice Bowls:
To serve, grab a bowl and place a generous scoop of the fluffy basmati rice at the bottom. Top it generously with your flavorful spiced chicken mixture. Drizzle the spicy yogurt sauce over everything, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro and crispy fried onions if you’re using them.
6. Enjoy!
Your Blackstone Indian Spiced Rice Bowl is ready! Enjoy it warm and savor every bite of this delicious meal!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Basmati?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it has a different cooking time! Brown rice typically takes about 40-50 minutes. Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio, and remember to soak it for at least 30 minutes beforehand to help with cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
To make it vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. If using tofu, press it to remove excess moisture and sauté it until golden. For a vegan sauce, replace the yogurt and mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt alternative or a simple tahini dressing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to the rice to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of red chili powder or skipping the sriracha in the yogurt sauce. For added flavor without much heat, consider adding more garam masala instead.
