Indian · serves 2

Onion Rice

Half the fried onions go in the rice, half go on top. That's the whole recipe.

35 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati, soaked 30 minutes
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 2 onions, finely sliced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • Raisins to finish

Method

  1. Fry the onions until properly brown, not golden. Lift out half for the top.
  2. Rice into the remaining onions, fry 2 minutes until it picks up the colour.
  3. Water, ghee, chilli powder, coriander powder, lemon juice and salt. Boil a minute, then lowest heat for 20.
  4. Whole spices in at three-quarters cooked, so they perfume rather than dominate.
  5. Fork through, scatter the reserved onions and raisins.

Questions people ask about Onion Rice

How long does Onion Rice take?

About 35 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of rice in Onion Rice?

Use any long-grain rice. Basmati needs less water than most, so check the packet before following the ratio here.

Can I make Onion Rice ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Onion Rice vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Onion Rice?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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