Ingredients:
2 cups of Basmati rice
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup or dried cranberries (optional)
1/4 cup flaked almonds or cashews (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soaking the rice in water for 30 minutes can help to soften the grains and reduce cooking time.
2. Heat the oil or butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and saute for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat it with the onion mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown.
5. Add the spices, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine. This will help to infuse the rice with the flavors of the spices.
6. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
7. Allow the rice to cook for 18-20 minutes without opening the lid. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice used, so check the package instructions for cooking time.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Use a fork to fluff the rice and stir in the optional raisins or dried cranberries and flaked almonds or cashews if desired.
Tips:
1. Use Basmati rice for the best results. It is long-grain rice that is aromatic and has a slightly nutty flavor.
2. Toasting the rice before cooking helps to bring out the nutty flavor and also prevents the grains from sticking together.
3. Use homemade broth or low-sodium store-bought broth to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
4. Adding dried fruits and nuts to the rice can give it extra flavor and texture. You can use any combination of dried fruits and nuts that you like.
5. Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking as this will release the steam and affect the cooking time.
In conclusion, pilaf rice is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Try adding different spices, herbs, and vegetables to the recipe to create your own unique version of this classic dish. Enjoy!