Cardamom/Coconut Rice Pulao

I made this rice pulao for a potluck birthday party a few years ago; it was a favourite.
I took all of my favourite pulao ideas and put them together into this one recipe and I am happy to say it is the best one I have come up with so far!!!!!

This pulao has a unique flavour because of the cardamom and fried cashews and sultanas.  Coconut is added to give a nuttiness to the pulao.  It is important to use ghee instead of vegetable oil as this also gives it a wonderful flavour.

Cardamom/Coconut Rice Pulao

Ingredients:

1 cup brown Basmati rice
1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
1 tsp cardamom seeds (fresh from the pods)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
4 Tbsp desiccated coconut (unsweetened) or fresh grated coconut
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper* (optional)
2 Tbsp ghee or coconut oil
3  Tbsp cashews or peanuts
3  Tbsp sultanas or raisins
2 1/4 cups water

Directions:

1. Wash the rice under flowing water to remove any dust etc.
2. In a heavy skillet, add 1 Tbsp ghee.
3. When the ghee becomes hot, add the cashews and raisins.
4. Fry until the cashews are lightly-browned turn.
5. Remove from the pan and put them on a paper towel so that the ghee is absorbed.
6. Again, keep the pan on heat, add 1 Tbsp ghee.
7. When the ghee becomes hot, add mustard seeds.
8. Then add cinnamon, pepper, cardamom seeds and coconut and fry until the coconut turns golden brown.
9. Add rice and turmeric, stir-fry for a few minutes.
10. Add water, salt and mix well.
11. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat to low.
12. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 50 – 55 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
13. Remove from heat, transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle fried cashews and raisins on top and serve hot.

* I never put the pepper in but I know many people like their Indian food spicy.

Try these delicious rice dishes:

Sweet Bell Peppers Stuffed with Wild Rice – This sweet bell peppers recipe with wild rice is a favourite of mine. It’s yummy, beautiful and nutritious!

 Creamy Chickpea and Rice Pie – This chickpea pie is a very tasty meal which does take a little extra time to prepare but it is worth it.

Luxurious Brown Rice Pudding – This brown rice pudding and the creamy sauce that goes with it, is sugar-free, dairy-free, and egg-free and it tastes great!

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