Have you ever craved a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and satisfyingly hearty? Look no further than Keema Rice, a beloved South Asian delicacy that combines the richness of minced meat with the fragrant allure of basmati rice.

Originating from the Indian subcontinent, this dish has been cherished for generations for its simplicity and robust flavors.

Keema Rice, also known as Keema Pulao or Mince Meat Rice, is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread.

Its roots can be traced back to the vibrant culinary traditions of India and Pakistan, where it has been a staple on dining tables for centuries. Despite its humble origins, Keema Rice has garnered widespread acclaim for its delightful combination of spices and textures.

While Keema Rice may sound complex, fear not, for its preparation is surprisingly straightforward. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a few simple steps, you can recreate this aromatic masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a novice cook looking to expand your culinary repertoire or a seasoned chef seeking a quick and satisfying meal, Keema Rice is sure to impress with its tantalizing aroma and mouthwatering taste.

From its fragrant spices to its tender mince meat, every bite offers a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Get ready to delight your taste buds and wow your family and friends with this delightful dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Expert Tip: To make Keema Rice even more nutritious, add diced vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or potatoes to the dish for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Mince: Mince meat forms the heart of Keema Rice, providing a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the fragrant basmati rice. Its versatility allows it to absorb the aromatic spices, creating a delectable harmony of flavors.

Rice Basmati: Basmati rice, known for its long grains and distinct aroma, serves as the foundation of Keema Rice. Its fluffy texture and subtle nutty flavor complement the savory mince meat, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Peas Frozen: Frozen peas add a burst of vibrant color and a touch of sweetness to Keema Rice. Their crisp texture and fresh flavor provide a delightful contrast to the savory mince meat, elevating the dish to new heights of deliciousness.

Onions: Finely chopped onions lend a sweet and aromatic flavor to Keema Rice, enhancing its depth and complexity. When cooked until golden brown, they add a subtle caramelized note that balances the spices and complements the tender mince meat.

Oil: Vegetable oil serves as the cooking medium for Keema Rice, providing a neutral base for sautéing the aromatic spices and ingredients. Its high smoke point ensures that the flavors are sealed in, resulting in a dish that’s rich and flavorful.

Garlic and Ginger: Minced garlic and ginger add a bold and zesty flavor to Keema Rice, infusing it with warmth and depth. Their aromatic aroma permeates the dish, creating a tantalizing sensory experience that’s as enticing as it is delicious.

Cumin Seeds: Cumin seeds, toasted until fragrant, impart a warm and earthy flavor to Keema Rice. Their subtle bitterness and nutty undertones complement the savory mince meat, adding complexity and depth to the dish.

Coriander Powder: Ground coriander powder lends a citrusy and slightly sweet flavor to Keema Rice, enhancing its aromatic profile. Its delicate notes of citrus and herbs balance the richness of the mince meat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder, prized for its vibrant color and earthy flavor, adds a golden hue and a subtle warmth to Keema Rice. Its mild bitterness and peppery undertones complement the aromatic spices, resulting in a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Chilli Powder: Chilli powder provides a fiery kick to Keema Rice, adding heat and intensity to the dish. Its bold flavor and spicy heat level can be adjusted according to personal preference, allowing you to customize the dish to suit your taste.

Salt: Salt acts as a flavor enhancer in Keema Rice, bringing out the natural tastes of the ingredients and spices. Its savory notes help to balance the flavors and ensure that every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Coriander: Fresh coriander leaves, chopped and sprinkled over Keema Rice before serving, add a burst of freshness and color to the dish. Their citrusy aroma and herbaceous flavor elevate the dish, imparting a vibrant finishing touch that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Expert Tip: Experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to customize the flavor profile of Keema Rice according to your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Keema Rice hot, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and accompanied by your favorite condiments, such as yogurt, pickles, or chutney.
• Pair Keema Rice with a side of cooling cucumber raita or tangy mango chutney to balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast of flavors.
• For a complete meal, serve Keema Rice with naan bread or roti and a side of crisp salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil for a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.
• Keema Rice also pairs well with traditional Indian accompaniments such as papadums, samosas, or pakoras, adding variety and texture to the meal.
• To elevate the presentation, garnish Keema Rice with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or fried onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, toast the whole spices such as cumin seeds before adding them to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of meat for Keema Rice?

Yes, you can use any type of minced meat, such as lamb, beef, chicken, or turkey, according to your preference and dietary restrictions.

Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking?

Soaking the rice helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and results in fluffy grains. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and proceed with cooking the rice directly.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in Keema Rice?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preferred level of spiciness. Feel free to increase or decrease the quantity to suit your taste.

How long can I store leftovers of Keema Rice?

Leftover Keema Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Can I freeze Keema Rice for later use?

Yes, you can freeze Keema Rice in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Keema Rice

by Nabeela Kauser

Discover the flavourful delight of keema rice, a traditional dish that pairs the richness of minced meat with the aromatic essence of basmati rice. Uncover the deep roots of this dish and learn how it's made with this simple guide.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Calories 747 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 500 g Mince
• ▢ 300 g Rice Basmati
• ▢ 100 grams Peas Frozen
• ▢ 2 Onions Finely chopped
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 1 tbsp Ginger Minced
• ▢ 1 tbsp Cumin Seeds
• ▢ 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli powder
• ▢ Salt To taste
• ▢ Coriander

Instructions

• Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it for about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
• Add the finely chopped onions to the pan, cook them until they are golden brown.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan and cook for another minute.
• Add the minced meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon, cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Add the coriander powder, turmeric, chili powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well to mix the spices with the meat.
• Add the frozen peas to the pan and mix well.
• Drain the rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to mix the rice with the meat and spices.
• Add enough water to the pan to cover the rice by about 2cm, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the water has been absorbed.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Notes

You can substitute the minced beef or lamb with chicken or turkey if you prefer.

Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your taste.

Add more water if the rice isn’t fully cooked after 20 minutes.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 747kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 29gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 583mgFibre: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 360IUVitamin C: 15mgVitamin D: 0.1µgCalcium: 88mgIron: 5mg

Keyword Cooking, Food, Keema, Meat, Minced Meat, Pilau, Ramadan, Rice

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