Nutty Basmati Pilaf

• basmati rice↗1 1⁄4 cups
• olive oil↗2 tablespoons
• onion, minced↗1

  minced

• garlic cloves, minced↗2

  minced

• cumin seed↗1 teaspoon
• coriander powder↗2 teaspoons
• cardamom↗1⁄2 teaspoon
• bay leaf↗1
• chicken broth or 2 cups vegetable broth↗2 cups
• nuts (pistachios, cashews, slivered almonds)↗1⁄2 cup

  pistachios, cashews, slivered almonds

• salt and pepper
• chopped cilantro (to garnish)1 tablespoon

  to garnish

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Wash rice in a sieve under cold running water until water runs mostly clear.

2. 2

   Place rice in a bowl with fresh cold water, and let sit 30 minutes.

3. 3

   Drain well.

4. 4

   Heat oil in a larger sauté pan, and lightly sauté the onion and garlic until translucent, about 5 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the rice, cumin seeds, coriander, cardamom and bay leaf.

6. 6

   Toss rice to coat well with the seasonings, and lightly sauté 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Add broth, and season with salt and pepper.

8. 8

   Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low, and cook 10 minutes.

9. 9

   (Do not lift lid.) Remove from heat and allow to sit 5 minutes before lifting lid.

10. 10

    Add nuts and toss to combine.

11. 11

    Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.

12. 12

    For Vegetarians use the vegetable broth.