Rice Pilaf with Beef Goulash

Simple luncheonwith a loved one

This is actually a vegetarian meal because the "beef" isn't really beef. It's actually those vegetarian mock meats you can find in stores :) You can add real beef of course but this meal is for a vegetarian who lives with me as well.

I am sure some of you have tried rice pilaf, basically cooked rice roasted with a bit of oil and seasoned with broth on a stove top until done. It's a dish that's Persian in origin and adapted in many culture, particularly in Indian cuisine. Spanish paella is another version of rice cooked on the stove with chicken, seafood, onions, saffron and stock. I made mine to go with a vegetarian beef goulash. I didn't follow any recipe for the goulash but if you want a good goulash recipe, go HERE.

Here's my rice pilaf recipe:

1 cup of long grain rice
2 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
4 pods of cardamom
1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds
1/4 cup corn
1/4 cup peas
1/4 cup carrots
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
pepper to taste
1.5 cup broth of any kind

*note: you can add anything with this rice pilaf but use veggies that are hardier than say, broccoli for example.

Method:

1. Heat a non-stick pan and roast rice for about 1-2 minutes. Your rice will taste nuttier if you do this step, which enhances flavors :) Take the rice out and put it on a plate.
2. Add oil, garlic, onions, cardamom and fennel seeds. Add 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Cook until translucent and caramelized. The sugar helps the onions caramelize beautifully. It also adds lots of flavor.
3. Add your rice into the pan again and saute until the ingredients are well combined. Add salt.
4. Add your carrots and corn. Saute for another 2 minutes.
5. Add all your broth into the pan and close it with a lid. Lower your heat to medium and let it simmer for about 12 minutes.
6. Open the lid, do not stir, just scatter your peas on top and cover with the lid again. cook for another 5 more mins and turn off heat. Keep the lid on for 15 minutes before serving :)

Simple and flavorful rice that you can eat with curry, a goulash, a stew, etc.