Fragrant and Healthy  

Vegan | Gluten free | Serves 4-6

Impress your friends at the next BBQ with this crowd favourite. Super quick and easy to make but packed full of fragrant flavours, it will definitely have everyone talking. With hidden veggies and lots of nourishing spices, this recipe not only tastes good but it's jam packed with healthy ingredients to make you feel good. 

 

INGREDIENTS
1.5 cups basmati rice
2 cups diced veg (Use any combination of carrot, green beans, cauliflower, peas, zucchini, potatoes)
½ onion thinly sliced
1.5 teas ginger, minced or chopped finely
1.5 teas garlic, minced or chopped finely
2tbs olive oil
Juice and rind of ½ a lemon
3 cups *veggie stock (extra stock or water as needed)
½ can chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained (use a full can if you love chickpeas!)
⅓ cup raisins
½ cup of raw cashews
½ bunch of fresh coriander leaves

 

Spices
1tbs cumin seed
1tbs ground coriander seed
1 teas cinnamon powder
½ teas cardamom powder
½ teas turmeric powder
2 bay leaves
1x star anise pod

METHOD

1. Soak the rice in warm water while you prepare everything else. 
2. Heat the oil slowly in a heavy based, larger sized pan. Add the onion and saute for around 5 minutes until the onion begins to soften and caramelise a little.
3. Add the ginger, garlic and veggies. Saute for a few minutes on a low to medium heat adding a touch more oil if it begins to stick. 
4. Add the spices and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant, adding water to loosen if needed.
5. Strain and rinse the rice before adding to the pan along with the stock, chickpeas, raisins and lemon rind. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer with the lid on for 15-20 minutes. 
6. Have a taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Remove the star anise pod and the bay leaves.
   
8. Serve on your table directly from the pan or transfer to a large serving bowl. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top and garnish with the cashews and coriander. To dial it up a notch, grill some lemon wedges to add as a fancy pants garnish!

*I’m currently obsessed with Urban Foragers organic vegetable stock concentrate. I’ve never come across another all natural stock that packs so much flavour!

 

Want to bake something for dessert too? Try our delicious Orange and Cardamon cake recipe.