Keema rice is a delicious and hearty dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with spiced minced meat (keema), offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. A staple in many South Asian households, keema rice is a comfort food that pairs beautifully with raita, pickles, or a simple side salad. Whether you’re making it at home or trying it at a restaurant, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
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Keema, which means minced meat in Hindi and Urdu, is a versatile ingredient widely used in South Asian cuisine. Historically, minced meat dishes have roots in the Mughal Empire, where rich, spiced dishes were introduced to the Indian subcontinent. Over time, keema was incorporated into various recipes, including curries, samosas, and of course, rice dishes.
Keema rice likely emerged as a way to combine protein and carbohydrates into a single, flavorful dish that could be easily prepared and served as a wholesome meal. Today, it remains a popular choice in homes and restaurants across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Making the dish at home is surprisingly simple and requires just a few key ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
1 cup basmati rice
250g minced lamb or beef
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1-inch ginger (grated)
1 green chili (chopped, optional)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups water or broth
Fresh coriander (for garnish)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil or ghee
Rinse and soak the rice – Wash the basmati rice in cold water and soak it for about 20 minutes. Drain before cooking.
Cook the keema – Heat oil or ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and bay leaf, then sauté the chopped onions until golden brown.
Add garlic, ginger, and spices – Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green chili, followed by the tomatoes and spices (turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, black pepper, and salt). Cook until the tomatoes soften.
Add minced meat – Stir in the minced lamb or beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
Cook the rice – Add the drained rice and mix well with the keema. Pour in water or broth, cover, and let it cook on a low flame until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh coriander and serve hot with raita or a simple salad.
You can find it in most curry restaurants, but if you’re looking for the best spots, click our home page to see the top restaurants in the East Midlands where you can enjoy this delicious dish.
Keema rice is a fantastic dish that blends the richness of spiced minced meat with fluffy, fragrant rice. Whether you make it at home or try it at a restaurant, this comforting and flavorful dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of South Asian culinary tradition!
Would you like to explore more variations of keema rice recipes? Let us know in the comments!