Since rice is found in almost every Indian cuisine we eat, there are many different types of rice dishes out there. Travelling across India, I have been exposed to many different types of rice dishes, but I would say that most of them have a special kind of “flavour”, which makes them more interesting than the regular ones.
There are hundreds of different types of rice in the world, and each country has their own unique types that they prefer to cook with. One of my personal favourites is the “Basmati” rice that is grown in the Indian state of Punjab.
Rice is one of the most important staple foods in the world. It is eaten in various ways such as in a dish, as a side dish, in a pilaf or as a stuffing. It is an important component of a balanced diet and is required for good health.. Read more about types of rice dishes and let us know what you think.
Rice is India’s main meal, and each state has its unique method of cooking it.
But did you realize that rice comes in almost 40,000 different varieties? Color, size, and texture are all different among these types.
It is without a doubt one of the most adaptable meals, since it may be served as a main dish, side dish, entrée, or even dessert.
Although the most common method to consume rice is with steamed rice and a curry or side dish, there are a number of rice meals that developed in different regions of India and have been inspired by their own culinary style. We’ve compiled a list of 20 of the most popular rice dishes from throughout India in this post.
How to Cook Perfect Rice Basmati for Rice Dishes in 3 Easy Steps
To use in a pressure cooker:
- Soak the rice for 30 minutes after properly washing it.
- Drain all of the water.
- Fill the pressure cooker with water in a 1:2 ratio (for 1 cup of rice, add 2 cups of water)
- Cook for 3 whistles with the cover on the pressure cooker.
- Once the pressure has subsided, remove the cover.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Make sure the rice grains don’t break.
- This rice may be used in any rice dish.
To use a pan on the stovetop, follow these instructions.
- Soak the rice for 30 minutes after properly washing it.
- Drain all of the water.
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add the rice.
- Allow the saucepan to cook on a low heat with the lid closed.
- Turn off the heat when the rice is almost done.
- Allow the rice to rest for 5 minutes before opening the cover.
- Carefully fluff the rice with a fork.
20 Popular Rice Recipes in India
1. Biryani with chicken from Hyderabad
8 hours and 40 minutes total
Yields: 2 to 3
Andhra cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice Basmati
- Chicken
- masala powder for biryani
- Onions fried
- coriander leaves, chopped
- Leaves of mint, chopped
- Ghee/sunflower oil
- Milk-soaked saffron threads
To prepare the marinade:
- Garlic-ginger paste
- Turmeric
- chiles verdes
- Yogurt/Curd
- juice of a lemon
- red chili powder from Kashmir
- masala powder for biryani
- powdered green cardamom
- Salt
Rice Spices (Dry):
- Water
- Oil
- Mace
- cardamom (black)
- Stick of cinnamon
- Cloves
- Bay leaf
- corn with pepper
- Shahi jeera (caraway seeds)
The most popular Indian rice dish is Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, which is renowned all across India and the globe. Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani is very simple to make. To preserve the fragrance and tastes of the spices, just marinade the chicken and then cook the chicken and rice in a gentle steam procedure.
This is a savory, delectable, and delightful Indian rice dish that may be served as a full dinner. Because the chicken has been marinated for so long, it does not need a lot of oil or ghee to cook. There is no deep frying or sautéing in this dish; all of the cooking is done using steam.
Get the full recipe at indianhealthyrecipes.com.
2. Hyderabadi Dum Biryani with Vegetables
1 hour and 45 minutes total
Yields – three
Andhra cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice Basmati
- Ghee
- Onion
- florets of cauliflower
- Beans (green)
- Carrot
- Capsicum
- Nuts of cashew
- Raisins
- Curd that isn’t flavored
- powdered coriander
- powdered cumin
- chile powder from Kashmir
- powdered turmeric
- chopped mint leaves
- chopped coriander leaves
- a glass of warm milk
- Saffron
- Paste of ginger, garlic, and green chiles
To make Biryani Masala, combine all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- pods of cardamom
- Bay leaf
- Cinnamon
- Flower of the mace
- Seeds of caraway (Shahi jeera)
- Cloves
- anise star
For Rice:
- Seeds of caraway
- Bay leaves are used to flavor a dish. are used to flavor a dish. are used to flavor a dish.
- Oil
- Salt
The fragrant basmati rice, various veggies, delicious spices, and herbs in the Hyderabadi Vegetable Dum Biryani are all gently cooked to perfection. It may be eaten on its own with raita or with a paneer or mixed veggie curry as a side dish.
The abundance of vegetables used in this dish, such as capsicum, carrots, green beans, cauliflower, almonds, and raisins, enhances the nutritional content of this vegetable dum biryani and provides antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Get the full recipe at – cookingandme.com.
3. Pulao Kashmiri
1 hour and 5 minutes total
Yeast Yeast Yeast Yeast Yeast Yeast Yeast Yields – 2
Kashmiri cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice Basmati
- Nuts of cashew
- Badam
- Raisins
- Onion
- Saffron
- Milk
- Pomegranate
- Salt
- Ghee
- Oil
- Sugar
To Balance:
- Ghee
- Stick of cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Clove
- Bay leaf
Kashmiri pulao is a simple, delicious Indian rice dish known for its unique but mellow tastes and mild sweetness. The pomegranates, raisins, and almonds give the rice a wonderful chewy texture and flavor. This dish’s mild spiciness makes it appropriate for both children and the elderly.
The greatest part about the Kashmiri Pulao is that it uses very few spices, which keeps it light. This recipe’s nutritional profile is boosted by the addition of fresh fruits and raisins, which provide vital vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
– rakskitchen – rakskitchen – rakskitchen – rakskitchen –
4. Pulao de Matar/Pulao de Peas
Time allotted: 25 minutes
Yields: 2 to 3
Punjabi/North Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice Basmati
- Peas, green (Fresh or frozen)
- Onion
- Oil/Ghee
- Salt
Spices in their natural state:
- Cumin seeds are a kind of seed that is used to are a kind of seed that is used to are a kind of seed that is used to are a kind of seed that is used to are a kind of seed that is used to are a kind of seed that is used to are a kind of seed that is used to
- Cinnamon
- cardamom (black)
- cardamom (green)
- Cloves
- Mace
- Bay leaf
Matar Pulao, also known as Peas Pulao, is a fluffy and soft rice dish that may be prepared in a pressure cooker or a saucepan. It’s the ideal comfort food for a weekend lunch, and it works great with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian sides. It’s also a filling and nutritious lunchbox option for youngsters.
Matar pulao is a flexible rice dish that may be made in a variety of ways depending on the spices used. Other vegetables, like as potatoes and carrots, may be used to this dish. Peas are high in fiber and protein, which helps to increase satiety. Lutein, which is present in peas, is an antioxidant that protects cells and the eyes.
Get the full recipe at vegrecipesofindia.com.
5. Cumin Rice/Jeera Rice
Time allotted: 50 minutes
Yields: 2 to 3
Punjabi/North Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice from the Basmati region of India
- Ghee
- Cloves
- Stick of cinnamon
- Cumin seeds
- juice of a lemon
- Salt
- Water
Jeera Rice is a famous rice dish from North India that is often included on Indian restaurant menus. The rice is spiced with cumin seeds in this basic and quick dish (Jeera). It is moderate and non-spicy, yet it adds variety to plain rice. It goes well with dal, chicken curry, and vegetarian sides.
The greatest part about Jeera Rice is that it is easy to digest since it is simple and light. It is ideal for health-conscious people since it uses very little oil, ghee, and spices.
Get the full recipe at spiceupthecurry.com.
6. Maanga Sadham (raw mango rice)
Time allotted – 30 minutes
Yields – 2
Andhra cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice Basmati, Cooked
- raw mango, grated
- powdered turmeric
- Ginger
- Chili powder (dry red)
- Salt
To Balance:
- Oil
- Mustard seeds are a kind of mustard. are a kind of mustard. are a kind of mustard. are a kind of mustard.
- Urad dal
- dal chana (Bengal Gram)
- Peanuts
- Leaves of curry
Raw Mango Rice is a famous Andhra cuisine rice dish that tastes similar to Lemon Rice but with the added flavor of raw mango. Mango rice is a full meal that can be eaten on its own due to its mild acidic flavor and delectable smells. It’s also a great lunchbox meal for both kids and adults.
This is a light and delicious rice meal made without a lot of oil or seasonings. The indigestion-relieving properties of raw mango make this dish ideal for people suffering from digestive issues.
Get the full recipe at spicytreats.com.
7. Elumichai Sadham (Lemon Rice)
Time allotted: 45 minutes
Yields: 2 to 3
South Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Dal Moong (Skinless and split)
- Rice from the Basmati region of India
- Lemon/lime juice
- Mustard seeds
- red dried chilli
- chilli (green)
- Ginger
- powdered turmeric
- Salt
- Oil
- Water
- Leaves of coriander
- Peanuts/Cashews
This is the simplest and most straightforward method for using leftover rice. Lemons’ acidic flavor and refreshing tastes mix with the spices to produce a wonderful meal. It’s a one-pot meal that pairs well with raita, chutney, and papad. You may add additional veggies to it, such as cucumbers, carrots, and so on, since it’s a flexible meal.
This is another light and nutritious rice dish with very little oil and spices. The lemon is responsible for the rice’s tastes and taste. The lentils in this recipe provide protein and fiber to the dish while also making it more satisfying.
Get the full recipe at myindiantaste.com.
8. Tamarind Rice (Pulihora)
20-minute total time
Yields – 2
South Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- rice that has been cooked
- Oil
- Leaves of curry
- Chili peppers (red)
- Mustard
- Cumin
- channa dal channa dal channa (Bengal Gram)
- Urad dal is a kind of lentil (Black Gram)
- Peanuts
- Asafetida
- Salt
- Pulp from tamarind
- chiles verdes
- Turmeric
- Jaggery
Pulihora, also known as tamarind rice, is a traditional Andhra Pradesh dish that is often given as a Prasad at temples. Tamarind rice is known for its acidic and spicy flavor, as well as the crunchiness of nuts and lentils. It’s delicious on its own or paired with cucumber raita or coconut chutney.
This rice dish is delicious and appetizing without the use of strong spices, ghee, or butter. The addition of nuts and lentils boosts the dish’s protein and fiber value. The dish calls for tamarind, which is high in thiamin, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, copper, and antioxidants.
hebbarskitchen.com has the full recipe.
9. Tomato Pulao/Tomatillo Bath
Time allotted: 25 minutes
Yields – three
Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Basmati Rice
- Fruits and vegetables (Beans, Peas, Carrots)
- Tomatoes
- Leaves of mint
- Onion
- powdered coriander
- powdered turmeric
- chiles verdes
- Ginger
- Cumin seeds
- Salt
- Oil
- spices in their natural state
- cardamom (black)
- cardamom (green)s are a kind of cardamom that is used to are a kind of cardamom that is used to
- Cloves
- Bay leaf
Tomato Rice is a quick and delicious one-pot dish that can be served for lunch or supper. It’s easy to prepare in a pressure cooker or a saucepan, and it’s a great lunchbox option for youngsters. It’s delicious on its own or with raita and chutney.
Tomato Rice, also known as pulao, is a flexible rice dish that may be made with any veggies. Fresh tomatoes, which are used in this dish, are a good source of lycopene, which promotes skin health and lowers the risk of cancer.
Get the full recipe at cookclickndevour.com.
10. Mint Rice/Pudina Rice
Time allotted – 40 minutes
Yields range from 1-2.
Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Mint leaves, fresh (Pudina)
- Rice
- chilli (green)
- Ghee
- Nuts of cashew
- Bay leaf
- Cinnamon
- Onion
- Garlic-ginger paste
- powdered red chili
- juice of a lemon
Pudina Rice, also known as Mint Rice, is a fragrant and delicious rice meal that is simple to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family, including children. Mint’s refreshing fragrance mixes with the spices’ tastes to produce a delectable meal. The mint leaves mix with the rice to give it a pleasing hue.
Mint leaves contain menthol, which helps to alleviate indigestion, making this recipe ideal for individuals who have digestive issues. It also aids in the relief of coughs and colds, the battle against infections, the reduction of stress, and the enhancement of immunity. The phytochemicals also aid in the battle against cancer.
Get the full recipe at – tastyappetite.com.
11. Thengai Sadam (Coconut Rice)
20-minute total time
Yields – 2
South Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- rice that has been cooked
- coconut, freshly grated
Seasonings include:
- Oil
- Mustard seeds
- Cumin seeds
- Dal Channa (Bengal Gram)
- Urad Dal
- Chili peppers (red)
- chiles verdes
- Leaves of curry
- Ginger
- Asafetida
- Nuts of cashew
- Salt
Coconut Rice, also known as Thengai Sadam, is a famous South Indian rice dish known for its tropical coconut tastes. It’s a wonderful one-pot dish that’s great on its own or with curries. The dish is slightly sweetened with freshly shredded coconut.
Coconut flesh contains beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids that assist in weight reduction and decrease the risk of obesity. It protects the brain from degenerative illnesses and raises blood levels of good HDL cholesterol.
Padhuskitchen has the full recipe.
12. Thayir Sadam (curd rice)
Time allotted – 30 minutes
1 – Yields
South Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Raw rice
- Curd is thick and creamy.
- Milk
- Butter
- Carrots
- Leaves of coriander
- Ginger
- Salt
To Balance:
- Mustard seeds
- Urad dal
- chilli (green)
- Asafetida
- Leaves of curry
- Oil
Curd Rice is the ideal comfort meal, calming the stomach and revitalizing the taste senses. It’s a full dinner that’s popular across South India, yet the recipe just calls for a few simple ingredients. Curd Rice’s rich, creamy, buttery flavor and enticing tastes make it an attractive meal.
It’s easy to digest since it’s a basic, light, and non-spicy dish. Fresh curd, which is used in this dish, is high in probiotics (gut-friendly bacteria) that aid digestion and strengthen the immune system. Calcium, protein, vitamin A, and vitamin D are all abundant in curd.
– sharmispassions – sharmispassions – sharmispassions – sharmispassions
13. Vangi bath/ Brinjal (Eggplant) Rice with Spices
Time allotted: 55 minutes
Yields range from 3 to 4 bushels per acre.
Andhra cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice
- Ginger
- chilli (green)
- Onion
- Leaves of curry
- Brinjal
- Salt
- Sugar
Vangi Bhat Powder Ingredients:
- Oil
- Urad dal
- channa dal channa dal channa
- seeds of coriander
- Cumin seeds
- Seeds of sesame
- Peanuts in their natural state
- red dried chilli
- Coconut
Seasonings include:
- Oil
- Cumin seeds
- Asafetida
- Urad dal
- channa dal channa dal channa
- Peanuts in their natural state
- Turmeric
Vangi Bhat, also known as Spiced Brinjal/Eggplant Rice, is a traditional Andhra rice dish with a savory and delicious flavor. It’s a delicious meal that goes well with raita and papad. The rice has a great crunch from the lentil and peanut spice, and the Vangi Bhat Powder adds some bright tastes.
The addition of lentils and almonds to this dish makes it even more healthy and satisfying. The antioxidant phenolics contained in eggplant are potent free-radical scavengers that lower cancer and heart disease risks.
Get the whole recipe at yummytummyaarthi.com.
14. Bhindi Rice/Okra Rice
Time allotted – 30 minutes
Yields – 2
Chettinad cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Bhindi Bhindi Bhindi Bhindi Bhindi Bh (Okra)
- Rice from the Basmati region of India
- Onion
- Tomato
- powdered sambar
- Garlic-ginger paste
- masala garam
- Salt
- Oil
- Peanuts/Cashew nuts
- Leaves of coriander
Bhindi Rice, also known as Vendakkai Saddam, is a Chettinad-style rice dish known for its acidic and spicy flavor. It’s a full meal that may be eaten on its own or with raita or curd as a side dish. It’s also a fun addition to a child’s lunchbox.
You may alter the spiciness of the meal to your own preference. This recipe’s bhindi (okra) is high in vitamin C, protein, dietary fiber, folate, and magnesium, all of which help to reduce cholesterol, manage diabetes, strengthen the immune system, and avoid kidney disease.
Get the full recipe at jeyashriskitchen.com.
15. Fenugreek Rice/Methi Pulao
Time allotted – 40 minutes
Yields – 2
Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice from the Basmati region of India
- Fenugreek leaves, fresh (Methi leaves)
- Peas, green
- Onion
- Garlic-ginger paste
- Chilies (green)
- juice of a lemon
- Water
- Coconut milk is a delicious dairy product.
- Oil
- Ghee
- Cumin seeds
- Seeds of fennel
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Anise with a Star
- Salt
Methi Pulao, or fenugreek-flavored rice, is a delicious and nutritious rice dish popular across India. It is prepared in various ways by people from various areas. The delicious tastes of entire spices, fresh herbs, and Rice from the Basmati region of India mix to provide a delicious dinner.
Methi leaves, also known as fenugreek leaves, are a rich source of iron, vitamin K, protein, and fiber that aids in the treatment of anemia, regulates insulin levels, and promotes digestive health by alleviating constipation.
smithakalluraya.com/recipes/smithakalluraya/recipes/smithakalluraya/recipes
16. Spinach Rice/Palak Pulao
Time allotted – 40 minutes
Yields – three
Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice from the Basmati region of India
- spinach, chopped
- kernels of sweet corn
- Bay leaf
- Cinnamon
- Onion
- Garlic-ginger paste
- chili verde
- Salt
- Ghee
- Oil
Palak Pulao, often known as spinach rice, is a flavorful Indian rice meal that is simple to make. It’s a fantastic method to get extra leafy greens into your diet on a regular basis. The sweet corn kernels give the meal a wonderful crunch and a touch of sweetness. It’s a unique lunch-box concept for children.
Palak, or spinach, is high in iron, protein, fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, which aid in diabetes control, cancer prevention, bone health, constipation prevention, anemia treatment, and skin and hair health.
Get the full recipe at foodviva.com.
17. Aloo Gobi Matar Ki Tehri (Aloo Gobi Matar Ki Tehri)
Time allotted – 30 minutes
Yields – 2
Uttar Pradesh cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Rice from the Basmati region of India
- florets of cauliflower
- Onion
- Potatoes
- Peas, green
- chiles verdes
- Garlic-ginger paste
- Oil made from vegetables
- Ghee (butter) in its purest form
- Bay leaves
- Stick of cinnamon
- Mace
- cardamom (black)
- Cloves
- Turmeric
- powdered red chili
- powdered coriander
- powdered garam masala
- Salt
Taheri is a simple and healthy rice dish from eastern Uttar Pradesh that is known for its taste and fragrance. It’s a full dinner in and of itself, made up of savory veggies and fragrant basmati rice, eaten with simple curd.
Taheri is a very adaptable meal to which you may add a variety of vegetables to improve the nutritional profile. This meal includes nutritional fiber, carbs, protein, and vitamins from fresh cauliflower florets, green peas, and potatoes.
Get the full recipe at foodpunch.com.
18. Saffron Rice Pilaf / Zafrani Pulao
Time allotted – 30 minutes
Yields range from 3 to 4 bushels per acre.
Awadhi cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Basmati Rice
- Onions
- Ginger
- Saffron-colored strands
- a glass of warm milk
- Ghee
- Stick of cinnamon
- Green cardamoms
- Cloves
- Bay leaf
- black peppercorns, whole
- chiles verdes
- Cashews that have been toasted
- Raisins
- Salt
With this delectable and savory Zafrani Pulao, indulge in the rich and regal taste of Awadhi cuisine. This dish is made with a variety of rich ingredients such as saffron, whole spices, almonds, raisins, and other dried fruits and nuts that are cooked with fragrant Basmati rice. It has a sweet, mellow flavor that pairs nicely with savory curries, kebabs, and korma.
Saffron, which is included in this dish, is a valuable spice with many health advantages. Saffron’s carotene crocin protects against cancer, improves memory and learning, cures Parkinson’s disease, and prevents colds.
eatreadandcook.com has the full recipe.
19. Channa Pulao/Pulao de Channa/Pulao de Channa/Pulao de Channa/Pulao
Time allotted: 55 minutes
Yeast Yeast Yields – 4
North Indian cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Basmati rice
- Chickpeas/Chana
- Onion
- Garlic-ginger paste
- powdered channa
- Mint leaves
- Leaves of coriander
- Water
- Oil
- Ghee
- Cashews
- Salt
To Balance:
- Seeds of fennel
- Cloves
- Stick of cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Bay leaf
- anise star
The Channa Pulao is a quick and healthy dinner that is ideal for those days when you don’t have the time or energy to make a full meal. It’s a full dinner that goes well with raita and salad, and it’s also a great lunch box option for youngsters.
This dish uses chickpeas, also known as Kabuli Chana, to provide protein and dietary fiber to the body, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The high-quality proteins assist weight reduction and increase lean muscle mass, while the fiber lowers cholesterol and aids the digestive system. It’s also high in minerals including iron, zinc, and copper.
akilaskitchen.com has the full recipe.
20. Bengali Mishti Pulao (Sweet Bengali Pulao)
Time allotted – 30 minutes
Yields – 4
Bengali cuisine
Main Course is a kind of recipe.
Components –
- Basmati rice/Gobindo Bhog rice
- Peas
- Sugar
- Raisins
- Cashew
- Ginger
- powdered turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Green cardamom
- mace mace mace mace mace mac (Javitri)
- strands of saffron
- Cloves
- corns of black pepper
- Bay leaves
- Salt
- Ghee
- Water
Misti Pulao, also known as Bengali style sweet pulao, is a famous Bengali rice dish known for its subtle sweetness and delectable tastes. Basanti Pulao and Holud Pulao are two more names for it. The pulao’s subtle sweetness pairs nicely with the flavorful mutton curry, and the delectable dish makes for a filling Sunday meal.
Basanti pulao is rich and greasy, therefore it’s better to save it for special occasions. The saffron, almonds, and raisins in this dish boost its nutritional value by providing fiber, healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
chitrasfoodbook.com/recipes/chitrasfoodbook/recipes/chitrasfoodbook/recipes/
So, stop eating the same old steamed rice and start experimenting with this versatile food in your kitchen with these incredible Indian rice dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular rice dish in India?
Indian food is a vast and diverse cuisine, with many different dishes. The most popular rice dish in India would be the Biryani.
How many types of rice dishes are there?
There are many different types of rice dishes. Some examples are fried rice, jasmine rice, and brown rice.
What is the most popular rice dish in the world?
The most popular rice dish in the world is risotto.