Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf
Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf balances warm garam masala and turmeric with tender basmati, sweet peas, and bell peppers, while red lentils add a hearty, silky bite. Butter-sautéed mushrooms and garlic deepen the flavor, and a sprinkle of toasted almonds and fresh cilantro brings crunch and freshness. Serve it as a vibrant weeknight main or a standout side for dinner.
- Prep15 mins
- Cook30 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyMedium
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 58 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 25 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 90 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Unprocessed or minimally processed
- 1 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 54
- Heart Health
- 77
- Metabolic
- 55
- Digestive
- 32
- Inflammatory
- 34
- Performance
- 54
- General Wellness
- 1
In a pot, bring 2 1/2 cups broth to a boil. Stir in the green onions and peas. Season with salt, 1 pinch garam masala, 1 pinch turmeric, and cayenne pepper to taste. Add the basmati rice to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- 2
Melt the butter in a wok over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the mushrooms and garlic in the melted butter until lightly browned. Add the green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Season with 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 pinch turmeric, and cayenne pepper to taste. Stir in the lentils and 3/4 cup broth. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender.
- 3
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the almonds, stirring frequently, until lightly browned. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- 4
Increase the wok heat to medium. Stir the rice into the wok with the vegetables and lentils. Cook and stir until all the liquid has evaporated. Garnish with toasted almonds and cilantro sprigs to serve.
- Calories 413.9 kcal High 21%
- Protein 10.9 g Good Source 22%
- Carbohydrate 64.7 g 24%
- Total Fat 11.11 g Moderate 14%
- Saturated Fat 2.92 g Moderate 15%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 9.42 mg Low Source 3%
- Sodium 368.38 mg Moderate 16%
- Dietary Fiber 8.06 g Good Source 29%
- Total Sugars 4.09 g --
- Added Sugars 0.58 g Low Source 1%
- Calcium 185.26 mg Moderate 14%
- Iron 3.26 mg Moderate 18%
- Potassium 524.21 mg Moderate 11%
- Vitamin A 184.56 mcg Good Source 21%
- Vitamin C 48.57 mg Good Source 54%
- Vitamin D 0.03 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Tree Nuts 🌰
- Milk 🥛
- Gluten
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf is made with 16 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 45 mins and is rated medium. Key ingredients include Basmati Rice, Butter, Cayenne Pepper, and Fresh Cilantro. Each serving provides about 413.9 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf made of?
- The main ingredients are Basmati Rice, Butter, Cayenne Pepper, Fresh Cilantro, Garam Masala. The full list of 16 is above.
- How long does it take to make Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf?
- About 45 mins in total: 15 mins to prepare and 30 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 413.9 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf easy to make?
- This recipe is rated medium, with 16 ingredients and 4 steps.
- Is Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf healthy?
- Aromatic Spiced Rice Pilaf has an easyChef Pro health score of 55/100. Per serving, it provides 413.9 calories and 10.9 g of protein, or 22% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 368.38 mg (16% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 2.92 g (15% of the Daily Value). It contains Tree Nuts, Milk, Gluten, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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