Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-07 · Updated 2026-06-07

Fragrant Kenyan pilau rice cooked with coconut milk, roasted cashews, and warming spices for a rich and aromatic side dish. This African-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs basmati rice, coconut milk, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups water
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup roasted cashews
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and sauté for 8 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 4 green cardamom pods, 5 whole cloves, and 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the grains with the oil and spices for 2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 2 cups water. Add 1.5 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir once and bring to a boil over high heat.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and fold in 1/2 cup roasted cashews for a crunchy texture before serving.