Spiced Zanzibar Coconut Rice with Cardamom and Cloves
Fragrant basmati rice cooked with rich coconut milk and infused with aromatic cardamom pods and cloves, a beloved side dish from Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago. This african-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1.5 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear. Drain well.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 small finely sliced onion, 4 whole cardamom pods, and 4 whole cloves. Sauté for 4 minutes until onion is softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat with oil and spices, cooking for 2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk, 2 cups water, and 1 tsp salt. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly.
- Step 5: Simmer the rice for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Zanzibar Coconut Rice with Cardamom and Cloves take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Zanzibar 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 Spiced Zanzibar 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 Spiced Zanzibar 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 Spiced Zanzibar Coconut 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.
