Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 4 cups chicken stock, divided
  • 1 bay leaf, fresh or dried
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, optional
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 medium eggplant, peeled and chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chick peas, drained
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 rounded tablespoons mild or hot curry paste
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted cashews

Method

  • Heat a medium pot over medium heat with extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Add rice and toast for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add 3 cups chicken stock and the bay, lemon zest, turmeric, coriander, cumin and cardamom.
  • Cover pot and bring rice to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer rice 18 minutes.
  • Fluff rice with a fork, remove bay leaf and add butter.
  • Toss to coat the rice evenly.
  • While rice cooks, make the vegetables.
  • Heat a deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Add onion, garlic, eggplant and bell pepper.
  • Cover and cook stirring occasionally 7 to 8 minutes until tender.
  • Uncover and add the tomatoes, chick peas, salt, pepper, curry paste and remaining 1 cup chicken stock.
  • Simmer 6 to 7 minutes longer.
  • Mix scallions into rice and top with vegetables.
  • Garnish with cashews.