Cardamom Coconut Pilau Recipes

CARDAMOM & COCONUT PILAU

Steps:

• Rinse the rice, until the water runs clear. Place the rice in a bowl and cover with cold water. Set the rice aside for one hour to soak. Drain the rice.
• Heat half of the oil in a saucepan using a high heat. Add the onion. Stir and cook the onion for about ten minutes, until crisp. Remove the onion and drain on paper kitchen towel.
• Heat the remaining oil over a low heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and cumin seeds. Cook for about 30 seconds to release the aromatics.
• Add the rice, pistachios and raisins to the spices. Cook for about a minute. Everything should be coated and glossy from the oil.
• Add the water and salt. Bring to the boil using a high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for another 10 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with 2 thicknesses of aluminum foil and cover tightly with a lid.Continue to cook for about another 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Separate the rice grains using a fork.
• Meanwhile -- place the coconut in a frying pan over a medium heat. Stir and toast the coconut for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the coconut.
• Place the rice in a serving bowl. Top with the fried onions and toasted coconut. Serve.

PILAU RICE RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saucepan and gently fry the cardamom and cinnamon until the spices' aromas are released, which should take about 5 minutes.
• Add the onion and gently fry for around 5 minutes, or until it has softened and has become translucent.
• Add the garlic and stir fry for another 2 minutes.
• Tip in the rice, cumin, turmeric, cloves and bay leaves.
• Stir vigorously then pour in the water.
• Turn up the heat, give it another stir then wait for a slow simmering point to be reached.
• Once it slowly simmers, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
• Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve immediately with your favourite curry. Enjoy!