Simple Pea Pilau

Simple Pea Pilau is a compact basmati dish with peas and optional whole spices, giving the rice more character without turning it into a vegetable-heavy pilau.

Cumin seeds are heated briefly in oil before the rice, peas, seasonings, and water are added. Peppercorns, cinnamon bark, and cardamom are optional.

The rice cooks covered for twenty minutes. The whole spices are removed before serving so only their aroma remains in the finished dish.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon good oil
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
• 1/2 cup white basmati rice
• 1/2 cup fresh green peas
• 2 peppercorns, optional
• 1 piece cinnamon bark, about 1 inch long, optional
• 1 cardamom pod, slit at the end, optional
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, optional
• 1 1/4 cups water

Method

Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Add the basmati rice, peas, optional peppercorns, optional cinnamon, optional cardamom, salt, optional turmeric, and water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Remove any whole spices before serving. Makes 2–3 servings.