Rice Pilaf with Lime and Cashews

Rice Pilaf with Lime and Cashews

Prep time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including soaking time)

In southern India, this fragrant dish is served during the harvest season. We've made it the traditional way using white rice (though brown rice is nutritionally superior, it is rarely used in India because the oils in the bran cause it to deteriorate faster, reducing its shelf life). If you are committed to eating only whole grains, you can use brown basmati rice (see variation).

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1 1/2 cups cold water
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon black or yellow mustard seeds
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cashews
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro (or 12 fresh karri leaves, chopped - see ingredient note)
  • 2 to 3 fresh Thai, cayenne or serrano chiles (or 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
  1. Place rice in a medium saucepan with enough water to cover about 1 inch. Gently swish grains in the pan with your fingertips until the water becomes cloudy; drain. Repeat 3 or 4 times, until the water remains almost clear. Cover with 1 1/2 cups cold water; let soak for 30 minutes.
  2. Bring the rice and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid evaporates from the surface, 4 to 6 minutes. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to the lowest setting; cook for 5 minutes. Remove the heat and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat; add mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to pop, cover the pan until the popping stops. Reduce heat to medium; add cashews and cook, stirring, until golden brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from the heat; add lime juice, cilantro (or karri leaves), chiles (or jalapeño), turmeric and salt. Add the mixture to the cooked rice; mix well.

Brown rice variation: If using brown basmati rice, rinse as directed in Step 1 then soak in 2 cups water. In Step 2, bring rice and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Proceed with Step 3.

Ingredient note: Olive-green karri leaves (also called curry leaves), a distant cousin to the citrus family, have a delicate aroma and flavor and are available in the produce section of Indian grocery stores. They last up to three weeks in the refrigerator or in the freezer for up to a month. Do not use the dried (and highly insipid) version of these leaves - substitute cilantro instead.

Serves 6
Nutrition per serving: 160 calories; 4g fat; 29g carbs; 3g protein; 0g fiber; 101mg sodium; 36mg potassium
Diabetic exchanges: 1.5 starch; 0.5 fat

Recipe from EatingWell