Quick Basmati and Nut Pilaf (vegan)

[Guest guest]

I have not yet tried this, but it sounded so delicious that I will

soon have to

make it. Just thought I would share it with everyone since it is my

new years

resolution to post a few vegan recipes a week.

 

Quick Basmati and Nut Pilaf

 

1 1/4 cups basmati rice

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 large carrot, coarsely grated

1 to 2 Tbs sunflower oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 tsp ground coriander

2 tsp black mustard seeds (optional)

4 cardamom pods

2 cups vegetable stock or water

1 bay leaf

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup unsalted nuts ( either almonds, cashews, pistachios or

combination)

Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to garnish

 

1. Wash the rice either in the traditional Indian method* or in a

sieve under

running water. If you have time, soak rice in water for 30 minutes,

then drain

well in a sieve.

 

2. In a shallow pan, gently fry the onion, garlic and carrot in the

oil for a few

minutes.

 

3. Stir in the rice and spices and cook 1 to 2 minutes, so that the

grains are

coated in oil.

 

4. Pour in the stock or water, add the bay leaf and season well.

Bring to a

boil, cover and simmer very gently for about 10 minutes.

 

5. Remove from heat without lifting lid- this helps the rice firm up

and cook

further. Leave for about 5 minutes.

 

6. If the rice is cooked, there will besmall steam holes in the

center. Discard

the bay leaf and caramom pods.

 

7. Stir in the nuts and check the seasoning. Scatter the chopped

parsley or

cilantro over the mixture. The whole dish can be made ahead and

reheated.

 

serves 4 to 6

 

~ P_T ~

 

It is not always the same thing to be a good man and a good citizen.

-Aristotle, philosopher (384-322 BCE)