Rice and Green Pea Pilaff.
Pilaff is typically a seasoned rice (or other grain) dish in which the rice is sautéed before the liquid and other ingredients are added.
Ingredients:
1 c Basmati rice
4 Cardomon Pods
3 T Vegetable oil
6 Cloves
1 1⁄2 Inch cinnamon stick
1⁄3 c Slivered raw almonds
2 c water
1 c Peas (frozen or fresh)
1⁄2 t salt
Preparation:
Lightly tap each cardamom pod to partially crush.
Heat the ghee or vegetable oil in a heavy 1 ½-quart saucepan (nonstick cookware is ideal) over medium heat for 1 minute.
Add the whole cloves, the cinnamon stick, the bruised cardamom pods, and the almonds and then stir-fry until the almonds begin to turn pale golden brown.
Add the rice and stir-fry for about 4 minutes. Pour in the water, fresh peas, and salt. Stir, raise the heat to high, and bring the water to a full boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and gently simmer, without stirring, for about 15 to 25 minutes (depending on the type of rice) or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and flaky. (If you're using frozen peas, defrost them in a strainer under hot running water. After the rice has cooked for 10 to 20 minutes [depending on the type], remove the lid and quickly sprinkle the peas on top of the rice. Replace the cover and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes.
