Cardamom & Coconut Pilau

Total Time: 1 hr 55 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 500 g basmati rice
• 1/3 cup sunflower oil
• 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 cinnamon stick, bruised
• 6 green cardamom pods, bruised
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1/2 cup pistachios, kernels
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut

Recipe

• 1 rinse the rice, until the water runs clear. place the rice in a bowl and cover with cold water. set the rice aside for one hour to soak. drain the rice.
• 2 heat half of the oil in a saucepan using a high heat. add the onion. stir and cook the onion for about ten minutes, until crisp. remove the onion and drain on paper kitchen towel.
• 3 heat the remaining oil over a low heat. add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods and cumin seeds. cook for about 30 seconds to release the aromatics.
• 4 add the rice, pistachios and raisins to the spices. cook for about a minute. everything should be coated and glossy from the oil.
• 5 add the water and salt. bring to the boil using a high heat. reduce heat to medium and cook for another 10 minutes.
• 6 reduce the heat to low. cover the saucepan with 2 thicknesses of aluminum foil and cover tightly with a lid.continue to cook for about another 10-15 minutes, or until tender. separate the rice grains using a fork.
• 7 meanwhile -- place the coconut in a frying pan over a medium heat. stir and toast the coconut for 1 to 2 minutes. be careful not to burn the coconut.
• 8 place the rice in a serving bowl. top with the fried onions and toasted coconut. serve.