Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fragrant Kenyan pilau rice cooked with coconut milk, roasted cashews, and warming spices for a rich and aromatic side dish. This african-inspired rice & grains 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 African cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Coconut and Cashew Pilau Rice with Cardamom and Cloves?

African rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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