Zanzibari Spice-Infused Vegetable Pilau Rice

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A fragrant and colorful rice pilau infused with an aromatic blend of spices and mixed vegetables, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Zanzibar. This African-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs basmati rice, carrot, diced, green beans, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 medium (about 100g) carrot, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 large (about 150g) onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 1 (2-inch) cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 2 cups basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until golden and soft.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 4 whole cloves, 4 green cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp black peppercorns, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1 bay leaf. Toast the spices with the onion mixture for 2 minutes to release their aroma.
5. Step 5: Add diced 1 medium carrot and 1 cup chopped green beans, stirring to coat with the spices. Cook for 3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the drained rice and 1 tsp salt, stir once, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low.
7. Step 7: Simmer gently for 15 minutes without lifting the lid, until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let the pilau rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.