Basmati rice is a staple of Yemeni cuisine. This fragrant recipe, infused with the warm spices of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and saffron, is a delicious example of the rich and complex flavors typical of Yemeni dishes yet simple to make.
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
How Many Servings?
8 servings
Table of Contents
Discover the world of Yemeni Basmati rice—a culinary essential with a rich flavor profile that transforms your cooking experience. If you’ve enjoyed the magic of Yemeni spices in our slow-roasted lamb shoulder, you’ll appreciate the potential of Basmati rice. Often underestimated for its flavor, plain Basmati becomes a culinary gem in this recipe. Through the infusion of saffron water and traditional spices, we invite you to savor an authentic Yemeni taste that redefines the Basmati rice experience.
As a versatile kitchen staple, Basmati rice shines in various recipes, from pairing with green beans and tomatoes to complementing succulent roasted chicken. Yet, this Yemeni Basmati rice recipe adds a new dimension to your culinary repertoire. Don’t limit yourself; explore other rice-based creations like Lebanese vermicelli rice or Lemon Greek rice.
Main Ingredients for Yemeni Basmati Rice
Explore the essential components that infuse rich flavors and authentic Yemeni aroma into this Basmati rice dish.
- Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is the star of this dish, renowned for its unique aroma, long grains, and exceptional flavor. Its slender grains fluff up beautifully when cooked, providing the ideal texture for this aromatic Yemeni rice. Unlike regular rice, Basmati lends a distinct nutty fragrance and taste that enhances the overall dish.
- Garlic: Garlic adds depth and a savory dimension to the rice, infusing it with a rich, earthy aroma. It’s a fundamental flavor component that complements the spices and elevates the dish’s overall taste.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil not only provides a healthy cooking medium but also contributes to the dish’s flavor and mouthfeel. It adds a subtle fruity note and ensures the rice remains moist and aromatic.
- Spices (Cinnamon Sticks, Cardamom Pods, Cumin Seeds, Whole Cloves): This spice quartet is the heart of Yemeni Basmati rice, creating a symphony of warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet flavors. Cinnamon sticks lend a delightful woody note, cardamom pods bring a hint of citrusy freshness, cumin seeds offer depth, and whole cloves add a touch of warm sweetness. Together, they transform ordinary rice into a fragrant masterpiece.
- Saffron: Saffron, known as the “king of spices,” imparts a unique flavor and mesmerizing golden hue to the rice. It offers a delicate floral aroma with hints of honey and hay.
How to Make Saffron Water
Prepare Saffron Water to add a burst of color and richness to your Basmati Rice. The renowned saffron, with its vibrant red hue, transforms water into a radiant yellow infusion, offering a sweet and opulent flavor profile. Beyond its visual appeal, saffron tantalizes taste buds and enhances mood, bringing along various health benefits, including inflammation reduction. Incorporating saffron into Basmati Rice elevates your culinary creations with a captivating taste. Utilizing the cold bloom technique ensures the extraction of maximum flavor from saffron, enhancing both the visual allure and irresistible taste of your dishes.
Steps for Saffron Water:
- Gently crush saffron threads using a mortar and pestle.
- Transfer them to a small jar.
- Add ice cubes and 1/8 cup of room-temperature water.
- Allow this mixture to steep for about 20 minutes.
- Witness the golden transformation and relish the distinctive flavor it imparts, enhancing your Basmati Rice dishes with both visual allure and irresistible taste.
Serving Yemeni-Style Basmati Rice
Yemeni-style Basmati rice is a delectable and versatile side dish that harmonizes beautifully with an array of main courses. It complements perfectly with dishes like oven-roasted chicken seasoned with sumac, succulent slow-roasted lamb shoulder, or flavorful kabab kofta with tahini. If you prefer a lighter accompaniment, it also pairs delightfully with simple salads such as creamy yogurt, cucumber salad, Fatoush salad, or a classic Greek salad. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Yemeni cuisine with this aromatic Basmati rice, elevating your meal to a delightful culinary experience.
Preparation
Add the basmati rice to the pot. Stir well to coat in the flavors and cook the rice for three minutes before adding salt and six cups of boiling water to the pot
This fragrant Yemeni-style Basmati rice recipe is made with cinnamon, clove, cardamom, and saffron and is the perfect side for various Middle Eastern-inspired meals.
Type of Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
How Many Servings?
8 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 3 tablespoons olive oil | |
| 1 ½ sticks cinnamon | |
| 7 whole cloves | |
| 10 crushed cardamom pods | |
| 5 cloves garlic (minced) | |
| 1 teaspoon cumin seeds | |
| 3 cups basmati rice (fully washed and soaked for 10 minutes) | |
| 1 tablespoon salt | |
| 6 cups boiling water | |
| 1 oz saffron water |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Handling Yemeni-Style Basmati Rice
Storage and Reheating
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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