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Pasta & rice main dishes

Basmati rice, Thai-style

⏱ 15 min🍳 20 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

This Thai-style basmati rice is perfect for satisfying your desire for a homemade ethnic dish from the East: the smell of fresh coconut and freshly prepared curry powder perfectly accentuate and enhance the flavour and crunchiness of the vegetables and freshly caught prawns. If you return from a trip to the east and you want to reproduce those far-away, magical flavours and aromas at home, try our recipe ... Remember that the success of this dish depends on cooking the rice to perfection (not by simple boiling), choosing the freshest ingredients, and mixing the spices carefully for your curry. As you get more familiar with the unusual ingredients presented here – such as coconut milk or spices, especially when cooked with basmati rice - it will open up a new world for you, and you will be inspired to try many other original Thai-style dishes. But for now ... close your eyes and let’s set off for Thailand together!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
78g
Fat
8g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
15 minutes Total time
20 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Cut the pepper and courgette into large cubes. Cut the onion and carrot into thick slices. Peel and boil the beans in salted water. Cook the mussels in a covered pan with a little oil till they open, then remove from their shells and set aside their cooking liquid. Grind the following spices: cumin, ginger, coriander, turmeric, cloves, cardamom, paprika and chili. Stir-fry the vegetables with a little oil. Add the prawns and then the spice mixture and salt. Add the coconut flour and mix well. Finally add the milk and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly. When the basmati rice is cooked, serve with the freshly prepared, fragrant sauce.

Tips
The process of cooking basmati rice at home is as follows: take a non-stick pan and add the rice having first rinsed it in fresh water. Cover with water up to ½ cm above the level of the rise. Add a pinch of salt and cover. Turn the heat to low. As soon as the water reaches boiling point, simmer for 12 minutes. Then turn off the heat and time a further 12 minutes without removing the lid. After this period, your rice is ready, fragrant and fluffy to just the right extent, perfect for accompanying your Thai-style or other ethnic dishes.
Trivia
In the supermarket you’ll find excellent basmati rice perfect for this kind of recipe. You should find written on the packet both Thai rice and/or scented basmati rice, depending on the brand. Its aroma is delicate and unmistakably Eastern. Keep a pack in the pantry and always cook it carefully, using the traditional eastern method. Don’t use it for risotto or rice salads as the result will be unsatisfactory. A curiosity in relation to curry: curry is not a single spice, but a mixture of spices. That's why not all curry tastes the same: they may be more or less spicy. To control the flavour and final outcome of your curry, just do as we suggest us in this recipe, or make a spice mixture yourself.

Step by step

Peppers
Peppers
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Thai Style Basmati Rice with Prawns and Vegetables

One of the most appreciated variations of Thai style basmati rice is the one that includes prawns and a rich selection of vegetables. To prepare this dish, you start by boiling the basmati rice, which will be the ideal base to embrace the delicate flavor of the prawns. During cooking, you can add bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and green beans, all diced or sliced, to ensure even cooking and a colorful presentation. The prawns, after being shelled, are sautéed in a pan with the vegetables and flavored with typical Thai spices, such as cumin and coriander. This variation not only enriches the dish but also makes it more substantial and nutritious, perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.

Thai Style Basmati Rice with Aromatic Spices

Another version of Thai style basmati rice is the one that highlights the aromatic spices typical of Thai cuisine. In this preparation, in addition to fresh vegetables, spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cloves are used, which are ground in a mortar to release all their aromas. The cooking takes place in a wide pan, where the spices are combined with a sauté of onion and oil, creating a perfect aromatic base for the rice. The addition of coconut milk gives the dish a unique creaminess, balancing the spicy and aromatic flavors. This variation is a tribute to Thai culinary tradition, rich in intense aromas and flavors, ideal for those who wish to explore Asian cuisine authentically.

Light Thai Style Basmati Rice with Vegetables and Dairy-Free

For those who desire a lighter version of Thai style basmati rice, it can be prepared without dairy and with an abundance of vegetables. In this recipe, coconut milk is replaced with vegetable broth to keep the dish flavorful but with fewer calories. Vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, and green beans can be steamed or sautéed in a little oil, preserving their nutrients and color. The use of spices like chili and coriander adds flavor without compromising the lightness of the dish. This variation is perfect for those following a light diet or for anyone wanting a healthy and nutritious meal without sacrificing the taste of Thai cuisine.

Nutritional Benefits of Basmati Rice and Thai Style Vegetables

Basmati rice is a source of complex carbohydrates, providing long-term energy. It also contains less fat than other varieties of rice and has a low glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for those following a balanced diet. The vegetables used in this preparation, such as zucchini, carrots, and green beans, are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health. Additionally, spices like turmeric and coriander offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. On average, a serving of Thai style basmati rice with vegetables and prawns contains about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portion sizes.

Can leftover Thai style basmati rice be stored?

Certainly, Thai style basmati rice can be stored for the next day. It is advisable to place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. Before consuming it again, you can reheat it in a pan with a drizzle of oil or in the microwave, adding a bit of water to prevent it from drying out. However, it is important not to leave the rice at room temperature for more than two hours after cooking, to prevent bacterial growth. By following these simple guidelines, Thai style basmati rice will remain tasty and safe to eat even days after preparation.