Aromatic Peas and Carrot Pilaf Delight
Experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this Aromatic Peas and Carrot Pilaf Delight. A perfect harmony of basmati rice, vibrant carrots, and sweet peas, this pilaf is beautifully seasoned with fragrant spices like cumin, bay leaf, and cinnamon. As a delightful one-dish meal, it is not only comforting but also easily customizable to suit your palate. Serve it alongside a spicy raita or a dollop of plain yogurt to elevate your dining experience. Whether you're enjoying a quiet dinner or entertaining friends, this pilaf will surely impress with its colorful presentation and aromatic allure. Plus, using margarine makes it a wholesome vegan option!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
small onion
1/4 (chopped)
garlic powder or garlic paste
1/4 teaspoon (can use minced fresh garlic to taste)
ghee or margarine
1/2 teaspoon (melted)
basmati rice or long-grain rice
1/4 cup (washed and drained)
cumin seed
1/4 teaspoon
bay leaf
1
cinnamon stick
1
peppercorns
4-5
cloves
4-5
carrot
1/4 cup (sliced)
fresh peas or frozen peas
1/4 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
water
3/4-1 cup
pepper
optional (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear; then drain the rice and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the ghee or margarine over low to medium heat.
3
Add the garlic (either paste or minced) to the melted ghee and sauté for about 15 seconds, until fragrant.
4
Introduce the chopped onions and continue to sauté until they turn golden brown, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
5
Stir in the rinsed rice, along with cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and cloves. Sauté the rice mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the rice to achieve a light golden hue.
6
Once the rice is nicely browned, add the sliced carrots, fresh or frozen peas, and salt to the pot. Pour in the water and give it a gentle stir.
7
Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and allow it to simmer without stirring for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the water.
8
After cooking, uncover the pilaf. If there's excess water, let it evaporate by briefly cooking on low heat without the lid. Remove from flame and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
9
Taste and adjust salt or add freshly cracked pepper as desired. Serve your Aromatic Peas and Carrot Pilaf hot, paired with spicy raita or yogurt.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aromatic Peas and Carrot Pilaf Delight?
It is an Indian-style rice dish featuring basmati rice, vibrant carrots, and sweet peas seasoned with fragrant spices like cumin, bay leaf, and cinnamon.
What type of rice is best for this pilaf?
The recipe recommends using basmati rice or long-grain rice that has been washed and drained.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, by using margarine instead of ghee, this recipe is a wholesome vegan option.
What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish includes 1/4 cup of sliced carrots and 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen peas.
How should I prepare the rice before cooking?
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain it and set it aside.
What is the recommended fat for sautéing?
You can use 1/2 teaspoon of either ghee or margarine for sautéing the ingredients.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, garlic paste, or minced fresh garlic to taste.
How long should I sauté the onions?
The chopped onions should be sautéed for about 5-10 minutes until they turn golden brown.
How long do I sauté the rice with the spices?
Sauté the rice mixture with the spices for 10-15 minutes until it achieves a light golden hue.
What whole spices are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses cumin seeds, one bay leaf, one cinnamon stick, 4-5 peppercorns, and 4-5 cloves.
How much water is needed for the rice?
The recipe calls for 3/4 to 1 cup of water for 1/4 cup of rice.
How long should the pilaf simmer?
The pilaf should simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
Should I stir the rice while it is simmering?
No, you should cover the saucepan and allow it to simmer without stirring for the best results.
What should I do if there is excess water after simmering?
If there is excess water, let it evaporate by briefly cooking on low heat without the lid.
How do I finish the dish after cooking?
Remove the pot from the flame and fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.
What are the serving suggestions?
Serve the pilaf hot, paired with a spicy raita or a dollop of plain yogurt.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a delightful and comforting one-dish meal.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 of a small onion, chopped.
How many peppercorns should I add?
The recipe suggests adding 4-5 peppercorns.
How many cloves are needed?
You will need 4-5 cloves for this pilaf.
Can I use frozen peas?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen peas.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The dish is aromatic and seasoned with spices, but the heat can be adjusted by adding freshly cracked pepper or serving with spicy raita.
How much salt should I use?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or adjust according to your taste.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
It belongs to Indian cuisine, specifically under rice dishes like pilaf or pulao.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pilaf, pulao, vegetarian, vegan, Indian cuisine, rice dish, one-dish meal, comfort food, and easy recipe.
Can I add pepper at the end?
Yes, adding freshly cracked pepper at the end for seasoning is optional but recommended.
How do I know when the rice is done?
The rice is done when it is tender and all the water has been absorbed.
Should the carrots be sliced or diced?
The recipe recommends using sliced carrots.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
Yes, as it is a rice-based dish with vegetables and spices, it is naturally gluten-free.