Afghan Rice Raisin Carrot Food

BASMATI RICE WITH CARROTS, RAISINS AND SPICES (KABLI)

Steps:

• Rinse rice under running water until water is clear.
• In large bowl, cover rice with water; soak for 1 hour, drain.
• Add salt to large pot of boiling water; add rice.
• Cover and simmer until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Drain, reserving 1 cup (250 mL) cooking liquid; set liquid aside.
• Pour rice into large Dutch oven.
• In skillet, heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the oil over medium-high heat.
• Add sugar; stir until dissolved.
• Add reserved cooking liquid; bring to boil.
• Slowly pour over rice, stirring to coat.
• Stir in cardamom, cinnamon, cumin and pepper.
• Bake in 450°F (230°C) oven until water is evaporated, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 200°F (100°C); bake, covered, for 1 hour.
• Spoon into serving dish, mounding attractively.
• Meanwhile, peel and cut carrots into very thin strips or grate coarsely.
• In skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat; saute carrots and raisins until tender, about 2 minutes.
• Spoon over rice.

AFGHANI KABLI PULAO

Steps:

• Soak the rice in cool water for 5 minutes. Rinse until water runs clear.
• Place 4 cardamom pods on a cutting board and lightly crush using the flat side of a knife; transfer to a pressure cooker. Add halved onion, garlic head, 4 cloves, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin seed, salt, sugar, cinnamon stick, paprika, and coriander seeds. Pour in water to cover.
• Seal pressure cooker lid and turn heat to high. Cook until pressure cooker whistles once, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Wait for 2 more whistles, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pressure to release naturally, about 10 minutes.
• Strain broth into a bowl. Clean out the pressure cooker and heat it over medium heat. Add oil and chopped onion; cook and stir until softened and browned, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add carrots; cook until soft, about 3 minutes more. Add raisins, almonds, and strained rice. Add remaining 1 teaspoon black pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon cumin seed, and remaining clove.
• Crush remaining cardamom seed to a powder and add to the pressure cooker. Mix to combine; pour in enough broth to cover the rice.
• Increase heat to high and seal the pressure cooker. Cook until the first whistle, 5 to 7 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Let rest for 7 minutes; release the pressure naturally, about 10 minutes. Transfer cooked rice to a serving dish immediately to prevent overcooking.

RICE FROM AFGHANISTAN

Steps:

• Soak the rice for 15 minutes. Wash well and drain. (I try to remember to soak and drain the rice first thing in the morning.).
• Heat the oil in a skillet or pot on medium and fry the onions until brown; about 5 minutes.
• Add the cinnamon, bay leaf, cloves and mace, and sauté a few minutes or until the spices start to smell fragrant. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the sugar; let the sugar caramelize about few minutes.
• Add the rice and sautè for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping up any rice that sticks to the bottom of the pan. Add salt to taste.
• Stir in 2 cups boiling water; bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low for 18 minutes or until the rice is perfectly cooked and the water has completely absorbed.
• Transfer rice to a serving platter.
• Remove the whole cloves before serving or at least warn the diners.