Vegetarian Cashew Rice With Peas Food

BASMATI RICE WITH CASHEWS, PEAS AND FRESH CORIANDER

Steps:

• In a small pan over a medium heat, bring the water to the boil; add the salt and turmeric; reduce to a simmer and cover tightly.
• In a larger - preferably heavy-based - pan, over a medium heat, heat the ghee or oil; add the yellow asafetida powder and chopped onion and stir to combine for 1-2 minutes, add the rice and sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the rice becomes whitish in colour.
• Carefully pour the simmering water into the pan containing the rice, stir briefly, and if the peas you are using are fresh, add them now; increase the heat so that the water is again boiling, then reduce to a very low heat and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Simmer the rice for 15-20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed by the rice and the rice is tender and flaky; if you are using frozen peas, add them 5 minutes before the end of this stage of the cooking; stir through the rice quickly, and replace the lid as soon as you can.
• Remove the pan from the heat and leave it covered and undisturbed for 5 minutes to allow the grains to firm up.
• Fold in the cashews, chopped baby spinach leaves and chopped coriander leaves, and stir well to combine the ingredients.
• Serve hot, garnished with the remaining herbs.
• NOTES: (i) I have suggested adding the chopped baby spinach leaves in step six, as baby spinach leaves wilt very quickly once they come into contact with something like hot rice. If you would like your spinach leaves not just wilted but cooked, add them when adding the frozen peas towards the end of the cooking time in step four. (ii) The Zaar Kitchen Dictionary suggests that either garlic powder or onion powder are suitable substitutions for yellow asafetida powder.

VEGETARIAN CASHEW RICE WITH PEAS

Steps:

• Wash rice.
• In 1 quart pan put 2 Tbsp oil, garlic powder and rice. Stir over medium heat for 30 seconds.
• Add water, turmeric and salt. Add peas.
• Bring to a full boil, then cover and cook on very low heat for 18 minutes; stir in cashew pieces.
• Garnish w/ coriander leaves.

CURRIED CHICKEN & CASHEW RICE

Steps:

• Put curry paste in a wok or large frying pan and heat it up (if you like spicy food, add chopped chilli, too).
• Stir in basmati rice, the shredded cooked chicken or turkey, the frozen peas and the roasted cashews. Stir fry until piping hot, then season with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serves 2.

VEGETARIAN SPANISH RICE

Steps:

• In a food processor or blender, blend the tomatoes, garlic, onion and 1/3 cup vegetable broth until smooth. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir until coated with the oil.
• Stir the tomato mixture into the rice. Add the remaining broth, cover, and cook over low heat until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender, about 25 minutes.
• Stir in the peppers and green chilies. Heat through and serve immediately.

COCONUT CILANTRO RICE WITH PEAS AND CASHEWS

Steps:

• In a large stock pot, over medium-high heat, add the coconut and lightly toast. Remove to a small bowl and set aside.
• In the same pot, add the oil and the rice and saute until the rice is just starting to brown, about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add the chicken stock and the coconut milk and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover and cook for 15 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro, cashews and peas. Season with salt and transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish with the toasted coconut and serve.