Place basmati rice in a bowl. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch. Draining the rice helps keep it fluffy and prevents clumping.

Heat vegetable oil or ghee in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and cloves. Stir for one minute until aromatic. Toasting the whole spices releases flavor.

Add sliced onions to the pan. Cook until soft and lightly golden. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for one minute. These aromatics form the flavorful base of the pilau rice.

Sprinkle in turmeric powder and ground cumin. Stir well to coat onions and spices evenly. Cooking ground spices briefly helps release their flavor without burning.

Add rinsed rice to the pan. Stir carefully to mix with the spices and onions. Coat every grain with oil and spices. This step ensures the rice absorbs flavors while cooking.

Carefully pour 4 cups of chicken or vegetable stock into the saucepan. Add salt. Stir gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for 15–20 minutes without lifting the lid. Rice will cook in the steam and absorb all the flavors.

Turn off the heat. Keep the lid on and let rice rest for 5 minutes. This allows grains to firm up slightly and prevents sticking. Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

Sprinkle chopped fresh coriander on top if desired. Serve pilau rice hot as a side dish. It pairs wonderfully with curry, grilled meats or roasted vegetables. This is exactly how to make Hairy Bikers Pilau Rice Recipe at home.