Lebanese Poussin With Spiced Aubergine Pilaf Food

SPICED AUBERGINE PILAF WITH POACHED EGGS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the aubergines in a roasting tin, drizzle over the oil and some seasoning, then toss them together. Roast for 20 mins until tender and golden brown, turning once or twice.
• Meanwhile, rinse the rice, then soak in cold water for 5 mins. Heat the butter in a pan over a low heat, add the onion and cook gently for 8 mins until softened. Drain the rice and add to the pan, stirring to coat in the butter. Cook for 2-3 mins, then spoon in the curry paste, stir, and let it sizzle. Pour over the hot stock, bring to the boil, then cover and turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Cook for 15 mins, then turn off the heat and let the rice steam for 10 mins - don't lift the lid.
• Bring a large pan of water to the boil and poach the eggs, 2 at a time, then drain well. Stir the aubergines through the rice, squeeze over the lemon juice, then taste for seasoning. Divide the pilaf between plates and top with a poached egg, cashew nuts and mint leaves. Serve with a dollop of yogurt.

TURKISH EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE) PILAF (PATLICANLI PILAV)

Steps:

• Cut eggplants into large cubes with skin on. Place in a colander and sprinkle liberally with salt. Leave for 30 minutes.
• Rince and dry eggplant with paper towels.
• Half onion lengthwise and slice.
• Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a heavy pan and fry eggplant cubes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
• Add the remaining oil and gently fry the onion until transparent. Add tomatoes, seasoning, herbs and fried eggplant. Bring to a boil.
• Wash rice until the water runs clear. Drain and place on top of the eggplant mixture. Add chicken stock.
• Bring to a boil without stirring. Reduce heat, cover pan and leave to simmer gently for 30 minutes.
• Turn off heat, place a few paper towels over the rim of the pan and replace the lid (This is important don't ignore this part or your pilav won't be as fluffy!).
• Stir gently and turn into a heated serving dish.
• Serve with yogurt and then enjoy the delicious taste.

LEBANESE RESTAURANT RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Soak rice in a bowl of water for 10 minutes; drain and rinse until the water runs clear.
• Heat 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil together in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir orzo until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add drained rice and increase heat to medium-high. Cook and stir orzo-rice mixture until rice is coated in butter-oil mixture and starts to turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Pour water over rice mixture and season with salt; stir and bring to a boil. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is fluffy and tender yet firm, about 20 minutes.
• Heat remaining olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat; cook and stir almonds until toasted and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add remaining butter and stir in tahini until almonds are evenly coated. Mix almond mixture into rice mixture.