East African Spiced Coconut Rice with Cardamom and Cloves

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Fragrant basmati rice cooked in rich coconut milk with warming spices, a perfect side for any African-inspired dish. This african ready in about 45 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 260 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 African cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 20 minutes and drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion, 5 crushed cardamom pods, 4 whole cloves, and 1 small cinnamon stick. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onion softens and spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir for 2 minutes to coat grains with oil and spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups water, and 1 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
  5. Step 5: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does East African Spiced Coconut Rice with Cardamom and Cloves take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 East African Spiced Coconut 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 East African Spiced Coconut 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 East African Spiced Coconut Rice with Cardamom and Cloves for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 East African Spiced Coconut Rice with Cardamom and Cloves?

African african 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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