Vegetable Pilaf

From Vegetarian: The Best Ever Recipe Collection, by Linda Fraser

Ingredients:

• 1 c. basmati rice
• 2 tb. Oil
• ½ tsp cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 carrots, finely diced
• 1 c. mixed frozen veggies or chopped green beans
• ¼ c. cashew nuts
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
• salt to taste

Directions:

1. Wash the rice in several changes of cold water. Put in a bowl and cover with water. Let soak for about 30 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and saute the cumin seeds for 2 minutes. Add the bay leaves, cardamom and cloves and saute for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and lightly browned.
4. Stir in the carrot and cook for 3-4 minutes.
5. Drain the rice and add to the pan together with the frozen veggies or beans and cashew nuts. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
6. Add 2 cups water, ground cumin and salt. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes over low heat, until all the water is absorbed. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 4-6