Cardamom-Spiced Coconut Rice Pilaf with Crispy Shallots

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A fragrant coconut rice pilaf infused with green cardamom pods, garnished with golden crispy shallots for a delightful texture contrast. This Mediterranean-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs basmati rice, green cardamom pods, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the soaked rice, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups water, 6 green cardamom pods, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  3. Step 3: While the rice cooks, heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced 3 shallots and fry for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. Step 4: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork, remove the cardamom pods, and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle the crispy shallots on top and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired.

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