Nutty Basmati Pilaf

Submitted by canarygirl

"Nutty, slightly sweet in flavor, this rice pilaf dish beautifully complements any Indian meal. Translated from "Cocina Tradicional India" by Rafi Fernandez."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 12
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 cups basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cardamom
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups chicken broth or 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1⁄2 cup nuts (pistachios, cashews, slivered almonds)
• salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (to garnish)

directions

1. Wash rice in a sieve under cold running water until water runs mostly clear.
2. Place rice in a bowl with fresh cold water, and let sit 30 minutes.
3. Drain well.
4. Heat oil in a larger sauté pan, and lightly sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the rice, cumin seeds, coriander, cardamom and bay leaf.
6. Toss rice to coat well with the seasonings, and lightly sauté 2 minutes.
7. Add broth, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes.
9. (Do not lift lid.) Remove from heat and allow to sit 5 minutes before lifting lid.
10. Add nuts and toss to combine.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
12. For Vegetarians use the vegetable broth.

Reviews

[PalatablePastime]

Very nutty and exoticly spicy, this was a real treat! Easy to make and cooks perfectly, producing nice fluffy rice. Thanks for a great recipe!

 

[MEAN CHEF]

A nice flavor packed change of pace from plain rice. I made the recipe exactly as printed and it came out perfectly. I added toasted hazelnuts at the end. We had this as a side dish with Canary Island Style Pollo en Adobo#44219. Although they are from separate continents, the pair went well together.

 

[Shelley P.S.]

I made it with Brown Basmati rice, so I actually doubled the seasoning due to the additional volume of rice and water. It was really nice and froze well in portions, too.

 

[amy.furay]

Although I did not use the spice blend recommended, I wanted to leave a review. I did not believe that you could cook this rice in ten minutes - but I did and the results were perfect. Tender, fluffy rice. The water to rice ratio was perfect. I used garlic and onion and they flavored it nicely. I was having a strongly seasoned meat so I wanted the fragrant rice, but no spice competition. Superb recipe. Next time, I'll add the spices.

 

[Stardustannie]

A lovely light tasting rice dish that would go well with most curries. I used 3 whole green caramons in place of the ground and garnished with chopped spring onions and toasted slivered almonds. Thanks for sharing.