Masala Rice and Vegetables

  • Level: Intermediate
  • Yield: 4 to 6 main course servings
  • Total: 50 min
  • Prep: 20 min
  • Cook: 30 min
A nod to biryani, basmati rice laced with raisins, almonds and fragrant spices come together with hearty vegetables in this mouthwatering plant-based rice dish.
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Ingredients

For the rice:

3/4 cups basmati rice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoons golden raisins

2 tablespoons blanched, sliced almonds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

1/4 teaspoon whole coriander seeds

3 whole cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

1 1/2 cups water

1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the vegetables:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 small yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon peeled, minced fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons golden raisins

2 tablespoons blanched, sliced almonds

1 1/2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds

1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds

5 whole cardamom pods

1 cup small cauliflower florets

3 ounces green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 small new potatoes (about 6 ounces), peeled and quartered

1 medium carrot, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2/3 cup water

2 tablespoons toasted shredded coconut

2 tablespoons toasted blanched, sliced almonds

Directions

  1. Make the rice: Place the rice in a sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat. Add the golden raisins, almonds, turmeric, cumin seed, coriander seed, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick and cook, stirring, until toasted and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 1 minute more. Add the water and salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, (wrap the lid tightly with a kitchen towel), cover, and steam until the rice is tender, 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, make the vegetables. Melt the butter in a medium straight-sided skillet with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the golden raisins, almonds, coriander seed, cumin seed, and cardamom and cook, stirring, until toasted and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Stir in the cauliflower, green beans, potatoes, carrots, and salt. Raise the heat to high, pour in the water, and cook, covered, for 4 minutes. Uncover and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are tender and most of the water has evaporated, about 1 1/2 minutes more.
  4. Add the rice to the vegetable mixture and, using a rubber spatula, stir to combine. Season with salt to taste. Divide the vegetable-rice mixture among plates and top with some of the toasted coconut and almonds. Serve immediately.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Debby P.

I have made this recipe many times, we really like it. I use a whole spice garam masala mix that the clerk at the Indian grocery recommended - instead of all the other spices. I have to cut the potato very small and cook it longer than 4 minutes for sure. Otherwise, great!

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