Simmered Rice Pilau with Cumin and Coriander

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

A fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic spices and served with a side of fresh vegetables. This kenyan-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs Rice, Water, Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Kenyan cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat, then add 1 medium sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 cups of rice, 2.5 cups of water, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 1 teaspoon salt, then bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Rice Pilau with Cumin and Coriander take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Simmered Rice Pilau with Cumin and Coriander?

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 rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Rice Pilau with Cumin and Coriander?

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 Simmered Rice Pilau with Cumin and Coriander 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 Simmered Rice Pilau with Cumin and Coriander?

Kenyan one pot 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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