Broad Bean Chicken Pilaf Food

BROAD BEAN & DILL PILAF

Steps:

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then soak in warm water for 5 mins and drain well. Heat the butter in a saucepan and add the onion and garlic. Sizzle everything for 8-10 mins until softened, but not coloured. Stir though the rice and pour over the stock. Cover, bring to the boil, then turn down heat to a minimum and cook the rice very slowly for 10 mins.
• Lift the lid, and quickly scatter over the podded beans, then replace the lid. Turn up the heat and simmer for 5 mins until all the liquid is absorbed. Add the dill, give the rice a good stir and serve with extra butter melting through.

A PILAF OF ASPARAGUS, BROAD BEANS AND MINT

Steps:

• Cook the broad beans in salted water for 4 mins, till almost tender, drain.
• Trim asparagus into short lengths, steam for 3 mins and drain.
• wash the rice 3 times in cold water, stiring with your hand, cover with warm water, add a tsp salt and set aside for a good hour.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the bay leaves, cardamon, peppercorns,cinnamon stick, cloves, cumin seeds and thyme. Stir in the butter for a minute or two until the fragrance is released.
• Drain the rice and tip it into the warmed spices, cover with 1 cm depth of water and bring to the boil.Season with salt, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer.
• Finely slice the spring onions and chop the parsley.
• After 5 mins remove the lid and gently fold in the asparagus, beans, spring onions and parsley. Replace lid and continue to cook for 5-6 mins, until the rice is tender but still has some bite to it. All the water should have been absorbed, leave with the lid on but the heat off for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove lid, check seasoning, add extra butter if liked and fluff with a fork sprinkle over the mint.
• Can be served with minted yoghurt if liked.