One of the world’s most popular grains, basmati rice is a nutty, fluffy ingredient that makes dishes sing! Recognized for its long grains and distinctive aroma, basmati is an essential ingredient for biryani, pilaf, desserts and more. Looking to bring out the best in every grain? Learning which basmati rice seasoning pairs with this special ingredient is key to unlocking its great potential.

Often called the “queen of rice,” it’s no wonder that basmati rice is a star among its peers. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is naturally fragrant with slender, long grains—premium varieties often measuring over 8mm in length! Higher in amylose than amylopectin starch, basmati cooks up fluffy and separate, never mushy or clumped.

Delicately charming in its natural state, basmati rice becomes utterly irresistible when seasoned well. That can mean taking a simple approach, such as dotting it with salted butter, or opting for a more complex blend of warm spices, heady herbs, and flavorful add-ins.

A staple of the South Asian diet, basmati is a must-have when making traditional dishes, from pulao and tahdig, to kedgeree, kheer and other comforting desserts. Of course, with so much to recommend it, basmati’s fame has extended across the globe! Now grown in many places, it’s also an integral ingredient in various cuisines, showing up in West African jollof rice, Asian fried rice, American rice salads, and more.

An invaluable ingredient no matter what’s on the menu, RiceSelect® Basmati Rice is also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. Get to know the best basmati rice seasonings and unlock the limitless potential of this valuable grain.


Seasonings That Go Well With Basmati Rice

A true kitchen chameleon, basmati rice suits a wide array of mealtime needs. Learning how to season it correctly will help you successfully pair it properly, and make the most of this nutty, fluffy grain.

  • Salted Butter – Just like butter and popcorn, butter and rice are an ideal match! Stirred into a warm pot of rice, butter adds just the right amount of moisture. It also enhances rice by adding a touch of creamy, savory seasoning. Try buttering basmati rice when pairing it with a fiery curry, roasted protein, stew or kebabs.
  • Cumin Seeds – Also known as “jeera,” cumin seeds are a key ingredient in jeera rice and other classic dishes. Bloomed in ghee or butter, the seeds are fragrant, nutty and earthy.
  • Cinnamon Sticks – Warm, woody and aromatic, a single cinnamon stick can infuse a whole pot of rice with a distinct taste. For more layered flavor, combine one cinnamon stick with other whole spices (cardamom pods, star anise, cloves, etc.) when cooking basmati rice.
  • Bay Leaves – An ingredient that adds herbal notes to any dish, bay leaves are one of the easiest additions to a pot of basmati rice. Simply add 1 or 2 leaves to the pot while the rice cooks, and enjoy the vegetal, delicately herby aroma they impart.
  • Curry Powder – This warm spice blend (which can range from fiery hot to sweet) can be toasted in hot oil or butter before you cook your basmati rice. The result? Grains that are infused with a variety of flavors, vibrant color and added oomph.
  • Saffron – Sweet and earthy, saffron is the world’s priciest spice. Happily, a little goes a long way! Simply bloom (i.e., steep) a few strands in 2 tablespoons of hot water, then use the liquid as part of the cooking water for your rice. In the end, your basmati rice will be vibrant yellow, with nutty, floral notes.
  • Preserved Fruits – For flavoring pilafs and pulao, many home cooks turn to dried fruits, such as raisins and preserved lemons. To add these to basmati rice, chop them, if large, and add them just after you bloom your spices.
  • Aromatics – One of the easiest ways to add extra zing to a pot of rice is to begin by sautéing aromatics—think onion, garlic, shallots or ginger—in a little oil, ghee or butter. A step that takes mere minutes, this will add savory depth to any bowl of rice.
  • Broth – When cooked in broth, rather than water, basmati rice becomes more savory. This is particularly beneficial when preparing basmati rice for salads or as a stand-alone side dish.

How to Season Basmati Rice for Delicious Dishes

When it comes to seasoning basmati rice, there are countless routes to take! When choosing your path, select the spices, herbs and seasonings that best complement other dishes on your menu. Also, consider using these tips and techniques to maximize the flavor in your meals.

  • To create harmonious meals, it’s best to stick to a single cuisine. For example, you might want to pair Indian curries with spiced biryani or pulao. On the other hand, when roast fish or chicken is on the menu, you might want to season your rice with fresh herbs, lemon, olives and other Mediterranean ingredients.
  • Many rice seasonings benefit from toasting. When adding whole spices to rice, begin by placing them in a dry saucepan over medium heat. Toss them frequently, to prevent burning, until they are warm and fragrant. Then, add your rice and water to the pot and continue to cook the rice.
  • Blooming is another method to extract maximum flavor from ground spices. To bloom these, heat a little bit of oil, ghee or butter in a saucepan. Fry the spices for 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Then proceed to cook your rice.
  • If using fresh herbs (such as basil, cilantro, dill, etc.), remember to add them to the rice just before serving. Adding them too soon will dull their flavor and aroma.
  • On the other hand, dried herbs can be added to the cooking water when making rice. As they generally have a more potent flavor than fresh, 1 teaspoon is enough to flavor 1 cup of rice. Simply stir 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, oregano, dill, etc., into the saucepan before you add the water and rice. Then, cook the rice as usual.

Practice Seasoning Basmati Rice With These Recipes

Hungry yet? Try each of these delicious basmati rice seasonings by making these delectable recipes!

Butter Paneer with Basmati Rice

Ideal for Meatless Mondays, this plant-based dish is packed with flavor. Boost every mouthful even more by flavoring the RiceSelect® Basmati Rice with curry powder or whole spices as it cooks. Creamy and comforting, this 25-minute meal just might become part of your regular rotation.

Chicken Korma

Sautéed aromatics and an abundance of spices create the base seasoning for this comforting dish. Add some to the rice, before it cooks, and create a harmonious meal. Sweet onions and fresh herbs are delicious final accents.

Lamb Shish Kebab and Rice

For celebrations with friends or special nights in, this impressive grilled lamb and rice dish is a stress-free choice. Redolent of garlic, lemon, herbs and spices, the marinated meat is also smoky thanks to a brief stint on a hot grill. Zhuzh up the RiceSelect® Basmati Rice by cooking it in broth, instead of water, and stirring in fresh herbs once it’s ready.

Spinach Paneer and Rice

Despite its 45-minute cook time, this recipe is a breeze to pull off. A straightforward process of broiling, boiling, sautéing, and stirring, it comes together effortlessly. To help cut the richness of the dish, stir a handful of chopped fresh cilantro into the pot of warm basmati rice.