Curried Rice Pilaf

Curried Rice Pilaf Recipe - Authentic and flavorful dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15-25 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Curried Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the nutty taste of rice with the sweetness of raisins and apples, all brought together with a hint of curry powder. This dish is perfect as a side dish or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

History

Rice pilaf has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The addition of curry powder to the traditional rice pilaf recipe adds a unique and exotic flavor profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked rice
2 oz (57 g) of seedless raisins (equivalent to 0.33 cup)
1 oz (28 g) of chopped dried apples (equivalent to 0.33 cup)
1 tbsp of instant minced onion
1 tbsp of chicken bouillon granules
1 tsp of curry powder
2 cups of water
2 tbsp of butter or margarine

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine rice, raisins, apples, onion, bouillon, and curry.
Add water and butter, then bring to a boil. Stir once or twice.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (25 minutes for parboiled rice), or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the rice with a fork.

Variations

Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added color and nutrition.
Substitute the curry powder with other spices such as cumin, turmeric, or paprika for a different flavor profile.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fluff the rice with a fork after cooking to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

- For a richer flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.

Serving Suggestions

Curried Rice Pilaf can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and flavorful meal. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmering

- Boiling

Ingredient Substitutions

Butter can be used instead of margarine.

- Dried cranberries or apricots can be used instead of raisins.

- Fresh onion can be used instead of instant minced onion.

Make Ahead Tips

Curried Rice Pilaf can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Curried Rice Pilaf in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Curried Rice Pilaf pairs well with a variety of dishes such as grilled chicken, lamb, or tofu. It also complements spicy curries or stews for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Curried Rice Pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

210

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 5g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 2g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 2%

- Vitamin C: 2%

- Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 4%

Alergens

Contains: Milk (from margarine)

Summary

Curried Rice Pilaf is a low-fat and low-calorie dish that is rich in carbohydrates and a good source of dietary fiber. It also provides a small amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Curried Rice Pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a light and satisfying meal on its own.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a treasured one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My mother had been sick for weeks and I was tasked with making dinner for the family. I rummaged through our pantry, looking for something easy to make, when I stumbled upon a recipe for Curried Rice Pilaf that my grandmother had written down many years ago.

I had never made anything like it before, but I decided to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients - basmati rice, onions, garlic, curry powder, and a variety of spices - and got to work. As I sautéed the onions and garlic in ghee, the kitchen filled with a warm, inviting aroma that reminded me of my grandmother's cooking.

I added the curry powder and spices to the pot, letting them toast for a few moments before stirring in the rice. The rice sizzled as it hit the pot, absorbing all the flavors of the spices and aromatics. I added water, brought it to a boil, then let it simmer until the rice was tender and fluffy.

When I served the Curried Rice Pilaf to my family that evening, they were amazed. The flavors were rich and complex, with just the right amount of heat from the curry powder. It was a dish unlike anything we had ever tasted before, and it quickly became a family favorite.

Over the years, I have continued to make Curried Rice Pilaf for my family and friends, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I have added vegetables like peas and carrots, and sometimes even chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Each time I make it, I am transported back to that moment in my childhood kitchen, when I first discovered the joy of cooking and sharing a delicious meal with loved ones.

I have shared this recipe with many people over the years, passing it down from one generation to the next. Each time I teach someone how to make Curried Rice Pilaf, I am reminded of the strong bond between food, family, and tradition. It is a recipe that has brought joy and comfort to countless people, and I am grateful to have learned it all those years ago.

As I sit here now, writing down the recipe for Curried Rice Pilaf for my grandchildren to enjoy, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I am grateful for all the recipes and techniques that I have learned over the years. But there is something special about this one, something that connects me to my past and reminds me of the love and care that goes into every meal I make.

So as I pass on this recipe for Curried Rice Pilaf to the next generation, I hope that they will cherish it as much as I have. I hope that they will gather their loved ones around the table, share a meal made with love and care, and create memories that will last a lifetime. And who knows, perhaps one day they too will share this recipe with their own grandchildren, passing down a piece of our family's history for generations to come.