Vegetable Pilau

Ingredients

225g Basmati rice
2 tbsp Oil
2 tsp Cumin Seeds
2 Bay Leaves
4 Green Cardamom Pods
4 Cloves
1 Onion, finely chopped
1 Carrot, finely diced
50g Frozen Peas, thawed
50g Frozen Sweetcorn, thawed
25g Cashew Nuts, lightly fried
½ tsp Ground Cumin
Salt & Pepper to Taste
Serves 4-6 

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice in cold water several times. Fill a bowl halfway with water and set it aside. Allow for 30 minutes of soak time.

2. In a large frying pan, heat the oil and cook the cumin seeds for 2 minutes. Cook for another 2 minutes after adding the bay leaves, cardamoms, and cloves.

3. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and gently browned.

4. Add the carrots and simmer for another 3-4 minutes.

5. Drain the rice thoroughly and combine it with the peas, sweetcorn, and cashew nuts in the pan. Cook for around 4-5 minutes.

6. Combine the water, ground cumin, and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and continue to cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Allow standing for 10 minutes before serving, covered.