12 Flavorful Ways to Serve Basmati Rice

Updated: Jun. 12, 2023

These globally inspired basmati rice dishes will be a welcome addition to your dinner table. Try favorites like tikka masala, curry soup and more.

1 / 12

Cool Beans Salad

This protein-filled dish could be served as a colorful side dish or a meatless main entree. When you make it, double the recipe because it will be gone in a flash! The basmati rice adds a unique flavor and the dressing gives it a bit of a tang. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin

Go to Recipe

2 / 12

Thai Chicken Thighs

These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3 / 12

Coconut Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

This stew tastes as if you spent hours in the kitchen. The flavors of coconut milk, sweet potato and coriander nicely complement the chicken. A garnish of cilantro and toasted coconut adds a bit of sophistication. —Nicole Filizetti, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
4 / 12

Spicy Sweet Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

I wanted to find a way to use pineapple salsa in a recipe. I came up with this super simple, delicious and quick dish! —Erin Schillo, Northfield, Ohio
5 / 12

Za'atar Chicken

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York
6 / 12

Coconut-Lime Chicken Curry Soup

I created this chicken recipe to replicate the flavors of my favorite curry dish—slightly sweet with just the right amount of spicy heat. When served with a garnish of green onions and toasted coconut, the soup makes the perfect cold-weather meal. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
7 / 12

Chicken Tikka Masala

This Indian-style chicken tikka masala recipe has flavors that keep me coming back for more—a simple dish spiced with garam masala, cumin and gingerroot that’s simply amazing. —Jaclyn Bell, Logan, Utah
8 / 12

Creamy Lentils with Kale Artichoke Saute

I've been trying to eat more meatless meals, so I experimented with this hearty saute and served it over brown rice. It was so good that even those who aren't big fans of kale gobbled it up. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
9 / 12

Mughali Chicken

I enjoy cooking for my family and try to incorporate healthy new foods into our menus. This authentic Indian dish is a favorite. —Aruna Kancharla, Bentonville, Arkansas
10 / 12

Spicy Mango Scallops

This sweet and spicy seafood combo gives off enough heat to make the whole family warm up to its great flavors! Be sure to buy the larger sea scallops for this recipe; cooking times would be off for the smaller bay scallops. —Nicole Filizetti, Jacksonville, Florida
11 / 12

Great Grain Salad

I can't think of a better dish to round out a meal. My grain salad features all my favorite nuts, seeds and fruits. Try adding grilled chicken to make it a meal on its own. —Rachel Dueker, Gervais, Oregon
12 / 12

Creamy Curry Vegetable Stew

Our family loves to eat Indian food, and this recipe is quick and easy to do with jarred korma sauce and fresh spring vegetables. If you want it hotter, add cayenne pepper to taste. Sometimes I add grilled chicken to the recipe. I serve this dish with naan bread, chutney and flaked coconut for condiments. So good!—Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada