BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH CAULIFLOWER, CARROTS AND PEAS

Basmati Rice Pilaf With Cauliflower, Carrots and Peas image

Inspired by a Turkish pilaf recipe by Clifford A. Wright, cardamom, allspice and cinnamon make this pilaf incredibly aromatic. The authentic version calls for lots of butter and uses long grain rice. I used a combination of (less) butter and olive oil, and made the pilaf with basmati rice, as that is what I had in my pantry. I needed less than the 2 cups of rice that Mr. Wright calls for in his recipe, as basmati expands more than regular white rice. I also added a small amount of whole grain in the form of cooked wild rice, to get a nice mix of colors, textures and nutrients.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories dinner, vegetables, side dish

Time 1h15m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

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Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 3/4 cups water
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 shallots or 1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup diced carrots
6 ounces cauliflower, broken into very small florets (2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill or parsley
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom seeds (from green cardamom pods)
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup currants, sultanas, golden or black raisins, soaked for 20 minutes in hot water and drained
1/2 to 1 cup frozen peas (to taste)
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted until golden
3/4 cup cooked wild rice (about 1/3 cup uncooked)

Steps:

Soak basmati rice in water to cover for 30 minutes (prepare the other ingredients during this time). Drain.
In a large, heavy saucepan melt butter over medium high heat and add rice. Cook, stirring, until grains are coated with butter, 2 to 3 minutes. Add 2 cups water and salt to taste (I use about 3/4 teaspoon). Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, until water is absorbed. Do not lift lid or stir rice during this time. Remove from heat, remove lid and place a dish towel over the pan. Return lid and let sit undisturbed for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil over medium heat in a heavy skillet or a wide saucepan and add shallots or onion. Cook, stirring often, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes for shallots, 4 to 5 minutes for onion. Add carrots, cauliflower, dill or parsley, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, sugar, currants or raisins, and salt and pepper to taste, and stir together. Add remaining 3/4 cup water and bring to a simmer. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add peas, turn up heat and cook another 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and fragrant, and most of the water has evaporated. If there is more than a tablespoon of water in the pan, drain.
Transfer rice to a large bowl or a large buttered or oiled baking dish. Stir toasted pine nuts and the vegetable and spice mixture into the rice. Add wild rice and toss together. Taste and adjust seasoning. If not serving right away, cover baking dish with foil. Reheat in a 325-degree oven for about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 300, UnsaturatedFat 7 grams, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fat 11 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 641 milligrams, Sugar 10 grams, TransFat 0 grams