Vegetable pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful dish that’s perfect as a side or a light main course. It’s made by cooking rice (or other grains) with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for vegetable pilaf:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice (or long-grain rice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or cashews (optional, for crunch)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
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Rinse Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky. Drain well.
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Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
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Toast the Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains with oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the rice is lightly toasted.
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Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to release the flavors of the spices.
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Cook the Rice: Pour in the vegetable broth, add the peas and raisins (if using), and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
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Fluff and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the slivered almonds or cashews, if using. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Tips:
- Grain Variations: You can substitute the rice with quinoa, bulgur, or even couscous for a different twist on the dish.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like green beans, mushrooms, or spinach. This dish is very flexible and can accommodate whatever you have on hand.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, you can add chickpeas, tofu, or grilled chicken to the pilaf.
- Make It Ahead: Vegetable pilaf can be made ahead of time and reheated. The flavors often deepen as it sits, making it a great option for meal prep.
Enjoy your vegetable pilaf—a wholesome, aromatic dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
