This sweetcorn pilau rice is a simple, flavour-packed side dish that pairs perfectly with all your favourite curries, grilled meats and Indian-inspired meals. Fragrant basmati rice is cooked with sweetcorn, onion, garlic and warming spices to create a delicious accompaniment that's much better than a takeaway.
Made with everyday ingredients, it's easy to prepare and a great way to add extra flavour to your meal. Finished with fresh coriander for a burst of freshness, this pilau rice is fluffy, colourful and sure to become a family favourite.
Calories in Sweetcorn Pilau Rice
This recipe serves 4 and is 230 calories per serving
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If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Basmati Rice: Basmati rice is ideal for pilau rice as it cooks up light and fluffy with beautifully separated grains. Be sure to rinse it well before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Frozen Sweetcorn: No need to defrost first, just add it straight to the pan. You can also use canned sweetcorn, just drain it well before adding.
- Chicken or Vegetable Stock: Use chicken stock for extra richness or vegetable stock to keep the dish vegetarian. A good-quality stock makes a big difference to the flavour.
- Onion: A regular brown or white onion works best, adding a subtle sweetness as it softens.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavour, but garlic paste can be used if that's what you have on hand.
- Cumin Seeds: These add a lovely warm, aromatic flavour that's characteristic of pilau rice. If you only have ground cumin, use ½ teaspoon instead.
- Turmeric: Gives the rice its beautiful golden colour along with a mild earthy flavour.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. If your stock is quite salty, you may only need a small pinch.
- Fresh Coriander (Cilantro): Stir through just before serving for a fresh burst of flavour. If you're not a fan of coriander, simply leave it out.
- Olive Oil Spray: Used to soften the onion with minimal oil. You can substitute with a small drizzle of olive oil if preferred.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
This sweetcorn pilau rice is easy to adapt with different vegetables, spices and herbs to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand.
- Add peas: Frozen peas are a classic addition and pair perfectly with the sweetcorn.
- Mix in more vegetables: Diced carrots, bell peppers, green beans or finely chopped spinach all work well.
- Swap the sweetcorn: Replace it with peas, chickpeas or edamame for a different twist.
- Add some heat: Stir in a finely chopped green chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use different rice: Basmati gives the best fluffy texture, but long grain rice can be used instead. You may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid slightly.
- Try different spices: Add a pinch of ground coriander, garam masala, curry powder or a couple of crushed cardamom pods for extra flavour.
- Boost the aromatics: A little grated fresh ginger adds a lovely fresh warmth.
- Swap the herbs: Fresh coriander is traditional, but fresh parsley or mint also work well.
- Make it vegan: Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Add protein: Stir through cooked chicken, prawns or chickpeas to turn it into a complete meal.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle over some toasted flaked almonds or cashew nuts before serving for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
This sweetcorn pilau rice is the perfect side dish for all kinds of Indian-inspired meals and grilled favourites.
- Serve alongside your favourite curries, such as chicken tikka masala, butter chicken, chicken jalfrezi or beef madras.
- Pair with tandoori chicken, chicken tikka or grilled chicken skewers.
- Enjoy with lamb, beef or pork kebabs and a fresh salad.
- Serve with poppadoms, naan bread, chapatis and your favourite chutneys for a complete Indian feast.
- Add a dollop of raita, natural yoghurt or cucumber mint yoghurt on the side.
- Spoon alongside dal or chickpea curry for a delicious vegetarian meal.
- Pair with grilled fish or prawns for a lighter option.
- Use as the base for a rice bowl, topped with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables or your favourite curry.
- It's also delicious served with my Slow Cooker Easy Chicken Curry, Chicken Korma, Lamb Rogan Josh or Tandoori Chicken recipes.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
To Store: Allow the rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To Reheat: Reheat in the microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the rice. Alternatively, reheat in a frying pan over a medium heat with a little water or stock, stirring occasionally until heated through.
More Side Dish Recipes
Looking for some more side dish ideas? Check out these:
See more Side Recipes →
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Recipe Card
Sweet Corn Pilau Rice
Experience the fusion of flavors with this yummy Sweetcorn Pilau Rice. This delicious side dish will complete your Indian meal at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (180g) of basmati rice, uncooked
- 180g of frozen sweet corn
- 2 cups (480ml) of chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric
- salt and black pepper
- handful of fresh chopped coriander
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Spray a large frying pan over a medium high heat with olive oil spray
- Add the onion, garlic and cumin seeds and fry till softened
- Add the turmeric and rice and stir to coat, frying for 1 min
- Add the sweet corn
- Pour in the stock, bring to a boil, reduced heat and simmer until stock is almost absorbed (do not stir while cooking).
- Once stock is almost absorbed, add lid, remove from heat and leave for 10 mins (steam trapped underneath will continue to cook rice)
- Season as needed with salt and black pepper, sprinkle with fresh chopped coriander.
- Enjoy!!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Gluten Free/Dairy Free Friendly - use gluten free stock
- Vegetarian/Vegan Friendly - use vegetable stock
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - see storing, freeing and reheating section
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 230Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 40mgSodium 378mgCarbohydrates 49gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 7g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Jackie says
Your blog is amazing! I only cook your recipes and the variety you have shared is fantastic. Thank you so much for making my weight loss journey so easy. I never feel deprived and I don’t have to cook separate meals A my husband has loved every one of your recipes. You have one very grateful follower.
Julie Renwick says
If I wanted to do mushroom pilau would I just replace the sweetcorn with sliced mushrooms?
Siobhan (Slimming Eats) says
yes, but I would saute the mushrooms first to ensure they get a lovely colour.