(Is it
just me, or was that a quick month? )
Pilau
(pulao/pilaf) is the Indian equivalent of risotto; it is not as wet. I have been asked before how does it differ
from biryani, another Indian favourite.
Biryani is from the Mughal tradition and is more oily, closer to the
fried rice style. It is also more likely
to be meat-based.
If you
cannot obtain (or do not like) paneer, the Indian cottage cheese, then
substitute haloumi or hard tofu instead! If you do not wish to use ghee, then a
good sesame or olive oil will substitute.
Paneer Pilau pnIr!
puLav
INGREDIENTS;
- half cup Basmati rice per person, rinsed till water runs clear
(remaining ingreds. are now per that half cup so multiply accordingly)
- 2 cloves, pinch of fennel seeds,
- qrtr.teasp. each of black pepper, paprika, cumin pwdr, coriander pwdr, mustard seeds, cardamom pwdr
- 4-5 green beans, 2-3 cashews or almonds,
- half carrot, similar qty of pumpkin (both diced)
- 6-8 1cm cubes of paneer (that’s per person remember!)
- 1 dried apricot, diced, half tomato diced, plus salt and ghee to taste
METHOD;
- Wash and cook rice along with cloves , fennel seeds, carrots, pumpkin, nuts, beans.
- Remove from the pan (or rice cooker pot), wipe it then return to heat with a spoonful of ghee (or two!).
- Sauté the tomato, paneer, apricot and remaining masala, adding a little water to ensure no burning.
- After 2-3 minutes, return rice to pot and stir thoroughly, salting as per preference.
Aur
Khanna!
Dammit Yam (and Hari Om, excuse me), now I'm all hungry! It looks amazing! Indigo x
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty darned tasty if I say so myself! Will just have to cook when I finally get round to that visit - It WILL happen...
We had Pilau for tea tonight after seeing this, a bit of a variation on yours but good all the same. More recipes please.
ReplyDeleteLady Vicki xxooxx
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteOh that was quick - well done to mum for trying it out! More at the end of July. xx