Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups hot water
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (15.25 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins

Method

  • Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion for 1 minute. Add garlic; cook until golden brown, about 1 minute. Add rice and salt; cook rice until it starts to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in hot water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until water has been absorbed, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Place carrots in a saucepan with enough water to cover. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Add green bell pepper and red bell pepper. Cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine corn and 1 tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook in the microwave until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  • Soak raisins, cranberries, and golden raisins in a bowl of hot water until puffed up, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Remove rice from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large pot. Add carrot-bell pepper mixture, corn, and raisin mixture. Toss to distribute. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon butter.