Spicy rice really is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken, even the reigning Queen of Pop agrees. Check out our easy recipe below:
September 2024
Laila Spicy Rice – the perfect BBQ side this Summer
Nando’s fans across the nation can attest that spicy rice is the perfect accompaniment to BBQ chicken, so if you want to liven up your final BBQ of 2024, during these last rays of British Summer, check out our recipe for the perfect SPICY RICE – inspired by the Nando’s favourite.
Laila Spicy Rice, inspired by the Nando’s favourite
During the UK leg of her Eras tour, global megastar Taylor Swift revealed she is partial to a ‘cheeky’ Nando’s when she is in the UK. She says close pal Ed Sheeran got her hooked on the Portuguese-inspired fare after he toured with her in 2013/2014 for her Red album.
We are pleased to hear that spicy rice is firmly at the centre of Taylor’s preferred menu, which a national newspaper revealed is mango and lime chicken wrap, corn on the cob and spicy rice. She is also partial to a side of halloumi and sweet chilli jam. (who isn’t?)
Laila Spicy Rice, Nando’s-style
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 200g Laila Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons (about 30g) sunflower or rapeseed oil
- 1 medium (about 100g) onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (about 10g), minced
- 1 small red pepper (about 60g), diced
- 1 small green pepper (about 60g), diced
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (about 15g)
- 1 tsp turmeric powder (about 5g)
- ½ tsp coriander powder (about 5g)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (about 5g)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (about 1g) (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp bay leaf powder (about 1g) (adjust to taste)
- 500ml vegetable or chicken stock
- 5g salt (to taste)
- 2g black pepper (to taste)
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 10g Fresh coriander, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- 1. Cook the Rice according to packet instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
- 2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3. Stir in the turmeric, ground coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper and bay leaf powder and cook the spices for about 1 minute, allowing them to release their flavours.
- 4. Add the rinsed rice to the pan, stirring well to coat the rice with the spices.
- 5. Stir in the diced red and green pepper and tomato paste, mixing everything evenly.
- 6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the rice is heated through.
- 7. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh coriander if desired.