How to make
Keema Rice
What is keema rice?
Let’s start at the beginning… what exactly is keema? Maybe keema naan is your go-to accompaniment to an Indian or Nepalese meal, but keema rice could be new territory. Keema rice is a dish of spiced minced meat (keema) and rice. Its history is deeply rooted in the various languages spoken across India, including Hindi and Punjab (which both use qīmā), as well as Urdu (with a slightly different spelling, qime).
Keema doesn’t just have a home in India though – it’s also a very popular dish in neighbouring countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Afghanistan and Nepal.
Keema rice ingredients
- Basmati rice
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Garam Masala
- Chilli Powder
- Seasoned Meat
- Veggies
To serve, spoon the Keema rice into bowls and top with crispy onions, natural yoghurt, mint and coriander.
Which meats and proteins can be added to keema rice?
When it comes to choosing your keema rice’s protein, the world is your oyster. Seasoning may vary for different meats, but there’s nothing to say you can’t try something a little bit different. Lamb, goat and ground beef are traditional, but we think recipes are meant to be experimented with. How about some white breast meat, like chicken or turkey? Or you could use thicker chops of beef or mutton for a totally different texture. Just consider how fatty the cut is, as you don’t want your rice to get too greasy while mixing it all together.
What should you serve with keema rice?
Given keema rice’s complex mix of tastes and textures, and a healthy serving of protein to boot, it doesn’t really need to accompany anything. It can be both delicious and filling all by itself. But if you want to fill up the whole table, and satisfy a family of rumbly tummies, here are a few ideas of what keema rice could accompany as a side dish.
- Spiced veggies (try a chilli and garlic aubergine – it’s tasty when baked)
- Sweet greens (think broccoli, spinach or avocado)
- Flatbreads with dips (perhaps add some hummus or yoghurt)
