Are you looking for the perfect rice to serve with butter chicken?
When it comes to serving a delicious butter chicken dish, it’s important to get the sides just right. Rice is a great accompaniment and can be used to round out your meal. But what type of rice should you choose? In this article, we’ll explore different types of rice that will perfectly complement your butter chicken and show you how to cook each one.
From long-grain basmati rice to nutty jasmine rice, you’ll find all the information you need to select the best type of rice for your meal. Plus, we’ll provide helpful tips on how to cook each variety correctly so that you can achieve fluffy, light grains every time. So read on and discover why each type of rice is ideal when served with butter chicken.
Basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to butter chicken. It is fragrant, light and fluffy and pairs perfectly with the creamy and spicy flavours of the dish.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a classic choice when it comes to Butter Chicken. This fragrant long-grain rice is a great accompaniment to the rich, creamy flavors of this dish. Basmati rice is easy to prepare and can be cooked in the same pot as the Butter Chicken. It is best served hot, so it should be cooked while the chicken is simmering in the sauce. Basmati rice can also be cooked in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is an excellent choice for those looking for a more exotic accompaniment to their Butter Chicken. This light and fluffy rice is cooked with coconut milk, giving it a sweet yet savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce of Butter Chicken. Coconut rice can also be cooked in advance, making it an ideal side dish for larger meals or entertaining.
Jeera Rice
Jeera (cumin) rice is another great accompaniment to Butter Chicken. This spicy flavored rice has a subtle heat that helps balance out the creamy sauce of this popular Indian dish. Jeera rice can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve, making it a great option for busy cooks who need something quick and easy. For an extra kick, add some freshly ground jeera powder before serving.
Lemon Rice
Lemon rice is a delicious yet simple side dish perfect for pairing with Butter Chicken. This simple one-pot recipe consists of basmati or jasmine rice that has been cooked with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving it a bright and zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of Butter Chicken. Lemon Rice can also be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve.
The Perfect Rice for Butter Chicken
When it comes to serving up a delicious Indian dish like Butter Chicken, you want to make sure that the accompanying rice is just as flavorful and delicious as the main course. The perfect rice to serve with Butter Chicken is Basmati rice. Basmati rice is an aromatic long-grain rice with a nutty flavor and delicate texture. It is an ideal accompaniment to the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken.
Basmati rice is also high in fiber, which makes it a great choice for those looking to get more nutrition out of their meals. Additionally, its low glycemic index helps keep blood sugar levels stable, making it a healthier option than other types of white rice. When cooking Basmati rice, it’s important to rinse it several times in cold water until the water runs clear before cooking. This will help remove any dirt or debris from the grains and ensure that they cook evenly and remain fluffy when cooked.
When cooking Basmati rice for a Butter Chicken dish, it’s important to use a good quality brand of Basmati rice and follow the instructions on the package closely. The ratio of water to Basmati should be 1:2 (one cup of water for every two cups of Basmati) and once the water has been added, bring it to a boil before reducing the heat and allowing it to simmer until all the liquid has been absorbed. Then fluff with a fork before serving.
For those looking for an even more flavorful accompaniment to their Butter Chicken dish, consider using saffron-infused Basmati Rice. Saffron adds a unique flavor and aroma that pairs perfectly with Butter Chicken’s bold flavors. To make this type of Basmati Rice, simply add some saffron threads while cooking your regular Basmati Rice according to package directions.
No matter what type of Basmati Rice you choose, it’s sure to be an excellent accompaniment for your Butter Chicken dish! With its nutty flavor and delicate texture, Basmati Rice is sure to complement any Indian dishes perfectly!
Perfectly Paired Rice Dishes for Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, a popular North Indian dish, tastes best when served with rice. Rice is an important part of Indian cuisine and is served with almost every meal. A great way to create a balanced meal with butter chicken is by pairing it with a flavorful and aromatic rice dish. Here are some of the best rice dishes to pair with butter chicken:
Cumin Rice: Also known as jeera rice, this fragrant dish is made with basmati rice and cooked in ghee or butter. It’s flavored with cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and other spices. The combination of cumin and butter creates a delicious flavor that pairs perfectly with butter chicken.
Jeera Aloo: This classic dish combines potatoes and cumin seeds cooked in ghee or oil. The potatoes are usually boiled before being cooked in the spices. It’s a great side dish to serve alongside butter chicken.
Kashmiri Pulao: This deliciously spiced pulao is made by cooking basmati rice in ghee or oil along with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and bay leaves. It’s usually garnished with nuts and raisins for added flavor.
Matar Pulao: Matar pulao is a fragrant pulao recipe that features green peas cooked along with basmati rice in ghee or oil. Spices like cardamom, cinnamon and cloves are added to the pulao to give it an amazing aroma that pairs perfectly with butter chicken.
Tahiri: Tahiri is a popular South Indian dish made by cooking basmati rice along with vegetables like carrots and beans in ghee or oil. It’s usually flavored with spices like cumin seeds, bay leaves and cardamom pods for an extra burst of flavor.
Lemon Rice: This zesty dish features basmati or long-grain rice cooked in ghee or oil along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Aromatic spices like turmeric powder are also added to give it an extra kick of flavor that pairs well with butter chicken.
The Perfect Rice Dishes to Accompany Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a classic Indian dish that is loved by many, and it is often served with rice. There are many types of rice dishes that are perfect for accompanying butter chicken, from traditional Indian dishes to more creative takes on the classic. Here are some of the best rice dishes to serve with butter chicken:
Plain Basmati Rice: Plain basmati rice is a classic accompaniment to butter chicken, as it helps balance the richness of the dish and provides a neutral base for all of its flavors. This recipe is super easy and simple to make by boiling two cups of basmati rice in four cups of water for 15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and serve!
Jeera Rice: Jeera rice is a classic Indian dish made by cooking basmati rice with cumin seeds, bay leaves and other spices. It has an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the creamy spiciness of butter chicken. To make jeera rice, heat some oil or ghee in a pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves and cardamom pods and sauté until fragrant before adding two cups of basmati rice. Cook until fragrant before adding four cups of water and bringing it to a boil.
Tandoori Rice: Tandoori rice is an aromatic and flavorful take on plain basmati rice that pairs perfectly with creamy butter chicken. To make tandoori rice, start off by heating some ghee or oil in a pot over medium heat. Add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and cloves before adding two cups of basmati rice. Sauté until fragrant before adding four cups of water and bringing it to a boil.
Lemon Rice: Lemon Rice is an easy yet flavorful side dish that goes wonderfully with creamy butter chicken. Start off by heating some oil or ghee in a pot over medium heat before adding mustard seeds, chana dal (split chickpeas), urad dal (split black lentils) and curry leaves until they begin to crackle. Then add two cups of basmati rice followed by lemon juice, turmeric powder and salt to taste before pouring four cups of water into the pot.
Coconut Rice: Coconut Rice is another delicious side dish that pairs nicely with butter chicken’s creamy spiciness. Start off by heating some coconut oil or ghee in a pot over medium heat before adding mustard seeds, urad dal (split black lentils) and cashews until they begin to crackle. Then add two cups of basmati rice followed by grated coconut flakes along with turmeric powder and salt to taste before pouring four cups of water into the pot.
These are just some of the many types of delicious ricethat you can serve alongside your favorite butter chicken dish! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients for these recipes or create your own unique variations on these classic dishes – there’s no limit when it comes to creative cooking!
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is the perfect accompaniment to Butter Chicken. This fragrant, long-grained rice has a subtle nutty flavor which pairs wonderfully with the creamy and savory gravy of Butter Chicken. To make it, simply bring 2 cups of Basmati rice and 4 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for about 20 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Garlic Naan
Garlic Naan is a great way to enjoy the flavors of Butter Chicken without utensils. This flatbread is made with yogurt and garlic and is usually cooked in an oven or tandoor. It can also be cooked on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. Serve warm with your Butter Chicken for an unforgettable meal!
Minted Yogurt Raita
Minted Yogurt Raita is an ideal side dish for Butter Chicken as it helps to cool down the spicy flavors. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint leaves, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/4 teaspoon paprika and salt to taste. Stir until everything is well combined and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Spinach Paneer
Spinach Paneer is another classic Indian dish that pairs perfectly with Butter Chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced paneer cheese and cook until golden brown on all sides. Add 1 cup chopped spinach leaves and stir until wilted. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander and salt to taste; cook for another minute until everything is well combined.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Salad makes an excellent light side dish for any meal featuring Butter Chicken as it helps balance out the bold flavors of this dish. In a large bowl combine 2 cucumbers (sliced), 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves, salt and pepper to taste; toss everything together until cucumbers are evenly coated in dressing.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is an ideal accompaniment for butter chicken. It is an aromatic long-grain rice that hails from the Indian subcontinent and has a nutty aroma and flavor. Basmati rice has a tendency to slightly sweeten the flavor of butter chicken, which pairs perfectly with the underlying mix of spices in this dish. To prepare basmati rice, simply rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear and then cook it using a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water. Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Jeera Rice
Another excellent choice to pair with butter chicken is jeera rice, which is simple yet flavorful due to its combination of cumin seeds (jeera) and long-grain basmati rice. The mild flavor of jeera rice will not overpower the flavors of butter chicken, but instead will enhance them by adding subtle notes of cumin to the dish. To prepare jeera rice, simply rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear and then cook it using a 1:2 ratio of rice to water. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds before covering the pot with a lid and cooking on low heat for about 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Lemon Rice
Lemon rice is another great option for pairing with butter chicken due to its bright citrusy flavors that balances out the richness of the dish. This type of rice is typically made by cooking long-grain basmati or jasmine in vegetable or chicken stock along with other ingredients like turmeric powder, mustard seeds, curry leaves, chilies, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like coriander leaves or cilantro. To prepare lemon rice, rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear and then cook it using a 1:1 ratio of rice to stock or liquid. Add your desired ingredients before covering the pot with a lid and cooking on low heat for about 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Saffron Rice
Saffron rice is also an excellent accompaniment for butter chicken as its fragrant aroma adds depth to this flavorful dish. This type of Indian-style flavored saffron can be prepared by adding freshly ground spices such as cardamom pods or bay leaves along with saffron strands while cooking long-grained basmati or jasmine varieties of white or brown rices. To make saffron flavored long grain rices, first rinse it in cold water until the water runs clear and then cook it using a 1:1 ratio or liquid (water or stock). Add your desired spices along with saffron strands before covering the pot with a lid and cooking on low heat for about 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Perfectly Balanced Rice Dishes to Serve with Butter Chicken
When it comes to enjoying a delicious meal of butter chicken, it’s important to make sure that the rice you serve complements the dish perfectly. Luckily, there are a number of rice dishes that pair perfectly with butter chicken. From classic basmati rice to flavorful fried rice, these recipes are sure to take your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Classic Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is one of the most popular types of rice in India and is often used as an accompaniment to butter chicken. Basmati has a nutty flavor and a light texture that makes it ideal for absorbing all the wonderful flavors of butter chicken. To prepare basmati rice, simply rinse 1 cup of raw basmati until the water runs clear. Place the rinsed rice in a pot and add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Flavorful Fried Rice
For those who prefer fried rice with their butter chicken, this recipe will be sure to please. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cups of cooked white or brown basmati rice, 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, corn), and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Cook for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until everything is heated through. Finally, add ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley) and give everything one last stir before serving.
Hearty Pilaf
This hearty pilaf is full of flavor and pairs wonderfully with butter chicken. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot add 1 cup uncooked long-grain white or brown basmati rice and stir for 1 minute until lightly browned. Add 2 cups vegetable broth (or water), ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon salt; stir everything together until combined then bring it all to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low; cover pot with lid slightly cracked open (this will allow steam to escape) then cook for 15 minutes or until most liquid has been absorbed into the rice; remove from heat let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Fragrant Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is fragrant and flavorful addition that pairs perfectly with butter chicken. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; once hot add 2 cups uncooked long-grain white or brown basmati rice along with 1 can coconut milk (13 oz.) and 2 cups water; stir everything together until combined then bring it all to a boil over high heat.
Reduce heat to low; cover pot with lid slightly cracked open (this will allow steam to escape) then cook for 15 minutes or until most liquid has been absorbed into the rice; remove from heat let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion
When it comes to serving rice with butter chicken, basmati rice is the clear winner. Its long grains and nutty flavor are a perfect complement to the creamy, spicy flavors of butter chicken. Basmati rice also absorbs the sauce of the dish, creating an even more flavorful meal. Additionally, basmati rice is easy to prepare and cooks quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknight meals.
For a side dish that pairs well with butter chicken, consider making a pilaf with basmati rice. This type of dish combines vegetables, herbs and spices with the rice for a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to your meal. And if you’re looking for something lighter than basmati rice, try adding quinoa or couscous to your butter chicken for added nutrition and texture.
No matter what type of rice you choose to serve with your butter chicken, one thing is certain: you’ll be in for a delicious meal! The combination of creamy sauce, rich spices and fluffy grains makes this classic Indian dish an absolute favorite among diners. So go ahead – give it a try!