Cracked Black Pepper Rice


Visit the Indian Food Glossary for information on the ingredients in this recipe
cracked black pepper rice

This dish has been a staple rice dish in my kitchen as it is easy to prepare and appeals to a wide variety of tastes. It is best served chilled or at room temperature, so if you are making a more complex meal, you can make it up ahead of time. The process is rather unique, as you use a large quantity of water for a relatively small quantity of rice and cook the rice at a full boil instead of reducing the temperature to a simmer. The result is a nice sticky, zesty rice. It's such a treasured rice dish, so I am sharing this again, with updated photos.


Cracked Black Pepper RiceCracked Black Pepper Rice
Recipe by
Cuisine: Indian
Originally published on April 5, 2007

Buttery basmati rice seasoned with fresh cracked black pepper

Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 12 to 15 minutes

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Ingredients:
  • 1 1/4 cups white basmati rice
  • 8 cups water
  • juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 bay leaves or a handful of dried curry leaves
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 teaspoons fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions:
  • Thoroughly rinse the rice under cold running water and soak in 8 cups of water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water, and let the rice sit in the strainer for 20 to 30 minutes to dry.

  • Pour the reserved water in a large saucepan and add the lemon juice, a dab of the butter, and the bay leaves or curry leaves. Bring to a boil over high heat. Stirring constantly, pour in the rice in a slow steady stream. Cook uncovered in briskly boiling water for 12 to 15 minutes or until rice is just tender and fluffy.

  • Drain the rice and let cool in the strainer for about 2 minutes. Discard the bay leaves if using, and spoon the rice into a large serving bowl. Stir in the remaining butter, salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix.

  • Chill or let cool to room temperature before serving.

Makes 5 to 6 servings

pepper rice

1 comment:

chitchat said...

This dish reminds me of my days in grad school at which time I was always in a quest for quick and easy recipes. I would add some frozen peas into this dish.