Carrot pilaf with coriander chutney

 Try this healthy pilaf filled for an easy midweek meal. With cashew nuts, veg and spices, it's not only tasty but budget-friendly too. Top with coriander chutney.

Ingredients

    2 tbsp rapeseed oil

    1 large onion, finely sliced

    2 tbsp grated ginger

    2 green chillies, sliced

    2 garlic cloves, crushed

    2 tsp coriander seeds, crushed

    4 cardamom pods, bruised

    ½ cinnamon stick

    1 tbsp garam masala

    400g carrots, (3-4 carrots) peeled, ½ coarsely grated, ½ sliced on an angle

    300g basmati rice, rinsed well

    600ml hot vegetable stock

    large bunch of coriander, finely chopped (stalks included)

    60g cashews, toasted and chopped

Method

    STEP 1

    Heat the oil in a large pan that has a tight-fitting lid. Fry the onions with a pinch of salt over a medium heat for 10-15 mins until golden and crisp. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper, leaving the oil in the pan.

    STEP 2

    Add half the ginger, half the chilli, all the garlic, spices, and both types of carrots to the pan, and fry for 6-8 mins until the carrot slices are starting to turn golden. Add the rice, stir briefly, then add the stock, a handful of the coriander, a good pinch of salt and grinding of black pepper. Bring to a simmer, and as soon as it starts to boil, turn the heat down to low, cover with a lid and leave to cook for 12-15 mins.

    STEP 3

    Meanwhile, put the remaining ginger and green chilli, most of the cashews and most of the remaining coriander in a small blender with 50ml water. Blend until smooth, adding another 2-3 tbsp water, if needed, to make a spoonable sauce.

    STEP 4

    When all the liquid has been absorbed into the pilaf and the rice is tender, fluff up the grains with a fork. Spoon over the coriander chutney, and sprinkle with the fried onions, reserved coriander and remaining cashews to serve.

By Anna Glover