This is one of my favorite vegetarian/vegan party dishes. Folks keep asking me for the recipe, so here it is!

  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, washed in a few changes of water and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 3 tbs vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped almonds (unsalted, unroasted)
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup raw unsalted peanuts or cashews
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins
  • 1 large or two small onions, chopped
  • 1 tbsp peeled finely chopped fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves finely chopped garlic
  • 8-10 green cardamom pods, pounded lightly to break the skin
  • One-to-two cinnamon sticks
  • 2 tsp black peppercorns
  • veggie options, choose as many as you want: cauliflower or broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, frozen peas, or small pieces of squash.
  • salt to taste

1. Heat oil in large saucepan over high heat and cook the nuts, stiring, until they are lightly golden. Remove to paper towels and drain. Add the raisins and cook until they puff up then remove to the paper towels with the nuts.

2. In the same oil over moderate heat, cook, stiring the onion, garlic, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and peppercorns until onion is golden.

3. Stir in vegetables and cook for a few minutes then add the rice and water. Stir and bring to a boil, then bring down to a simmer and cover until the rice is done (10-15 minutes). Just before serving, stir in the nuts and raisins and salt to taste.