Brown Basmati Pilaf

Brown Basmati Pilaf Recipe from India with Cashews and Ginger

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Brown Basmati Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with brown basmati rice, vegetables, and spices. This dish is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional white rice pilaf.

History

Brown Basmati Pilaf has its origins in Indian cuisine, where basmati rice is a staple ingredient. Basmati rice is known for its long grains and nutty flavor, making it perfect for pilaf dishes. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to include a variety of vegetables and spices.

Ingredients

2 cups brown basmati rice
1 tsp olive oil
1 large shallot, minced
0.67 cup thinly sliced scallions
0.5 cup shredded carrots
4 cups boiling vegetable stock
0.5 tsp ground turmeric
0.25 tsp sea salt
0.33 cup cashew pieces
0.25 cup crystallized ginger

How to prepare

1. Rinse the rice thoroughly in a wire mesh colander using cold running water for at least 2 minutes. Set it aside.
2. Heat the oil for 30 seconds in a saucepan over medium heat, and add the shallot, scallions, carrots, and rice. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the stock, turmeric, and salt. Bring it to a boil, and stir in the cashews. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook without stirring for 40 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Add the ginger, and toss gently. Remove it from the heat, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or peas for additional color and flavor.
Substitute almonds or pistachios for the cashews for a different nutty flavor.
Add raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

- Sautéing the rice with the vegetables before adding the stock helps to enhance the flavors of the dish.

- Adding cashews and ginger at the end of cooking adds a crunchy texture and a burst of flavor to the pilaf.

Serving Suggestions

Brown Basmati Pilaf can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a salad. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and healthy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the rice and vegetables before adding the stock helps to enhance the flavors of the dish. Cooking the pilaf covered on low heat allows the rice to absorb the flavors of the stock and spices.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute white basmati rice for brown basmati rice if desired. You can also use different vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or broccoli in place of the carrots.

Make Ahead Tips

Brown Basmati Pilaf can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pilaf with fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve in a decorative bowl or platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Brown Basmati Pilaf pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It also goes well with yogurt-based sauces or chutneys.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Brown Basmati Pilaf contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Brown basmati rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for the body. One serving of Brown Basmati Pilaf contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish contains healthy fats from the olive oil and cashew pieces. One serving of Brown Basmati Pilaf contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Brown basmati rice and cashew pieces provide a moderate amount of protein in this dish. One serving of Brown Basmati Pilaf contains approximately 7 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown basmati rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, magnesium, and phosphorus. The vegetables in this dish also provide additional vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (cashews) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Brown Basmati Pilaf is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Brown Basmati Pilaf is a delicious and nutritious dish made with brown basmati rice, vegetables, and spices. This flavorful pilaf is a great side dish or light meal option that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Brown Basmati Pilaf. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was a wonderful cook, had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had passed it down through generations. I watched in awe as she prepared this fragrant and flavorful dish, using simple ingredients and techniques that seemed almost magical to me.

As I grew older, I became more and more interested in cooking and began to spend more time in the kitchen with my grandmother, learning her secrets and tricks. She taught me how to select the best quality ingredients, how to chop and prepare them with care, and how to cook them with just the right amount of heat and time. I soaked up all of her knowledge like a sponge, eager to absorb everything she had to teach me.

One day, as we were preparing a meal together, my grandmother handed me a tattered old notebook filled with her handwritten recipes. Amongst the pages, I found the recipe for Brown Basmati Pilaf, written in her elegant script. She told me that this dish was a family favorite, passed down from generation to generation, and that it was a symbol of love and tradition in our family.

I eagerly copied down the recipe in my own notebook, making sure to capture every detail and nuance of the dish. My grandmother watched me with a proud smile on her face, knowing that I was carrying on the family tradition of good food and hospitality. She told me stories of how this dish had been served at family gatherings, weddings, and celebrations, bringing joy and happiness to all who tasted it.

I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the Brown Basmati Pilaf on my own. I gathered all of the ingredients - fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and rich ghee - and set to work in the kitchen. As I mixed and stirred, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scents of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen.

When the pilaf was finally ready, I scooped a steaming spoonful onto my plate and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth, bringing back memories of family dinners, laughter, and love. I knew then that this dish would always hold a special place in my heart, connecting me to my roots and to the strong, resilient women who came before me.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Brown Basmati Pilaf with friends, neighbors, and even strangers who have become like family to me. I have taught my own children how to make it, passing on the tradition and the love that is woven into every grain of rice. And I know that one day, they will pass it on to their children, keeping the flame of our family tradition alive for generations to come.

As I sit here now, in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I am filled with gratitude for my grandmother and all that she taught me. The recipe for Brown Basmati Pilaf may just be a collection of ingredients and instructions on a page, but to me, it is so much more. It is a link to my past, a connection to my family, and a reminder of the power of love and food to bring people together. And for that, I will always be thankful.