Quick Eats: Tomato- Cashew Pilaf

This is a quick fix pilaf, and so filling! I soaked the rice in the morning before I left for the day, and by the time I came back, it was ready to go. All I had to do was saute the veggies and let it cook on its own. This is a great supper time recipe, and a delicious one at that!

Here is the very simple recipe for a very exotic sounding dish!

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or any that you use
• 1 red onion,chopped
• 1 cup Basmati rice-soaked in water for an hour or so
• 1/2 can chopped tomatoes OR 1 small can tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon each of turmeric, garam masala, mustard seeds, cumin seeds
• 2 cups water or stock
• Any vegetables of your choice- I used bell peppers and peas.
• Handful of cashews

Soak the rice for at least an hour. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add mustard and cumin, and wait till they pop. Add the onion and sautè it until it becomes fragrant. Add the other chopped veggies, the cashews and continue to sautè. This should only take a couple of minutes. Next add the tomatoes,or sauce, whatever you are using, the rest of the spices and water. Stir it all up and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and now simmer over low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy. That's it! Serve hot with a side of your choice.

There are so many variations to this recipe, add veggies, nuts, paneer or even meats of your choice to make it interesting. Omit the tomatoes, and add spinach or mint puree for a gorgeous green pilaf. The taste of Spinach or mint with rice is incredible. Experiment and enjoy!