Green Pilau with Cashews

Elevate your rice game with this vibrant and aromatic Green Pilau with Cashews, a stunning fusion of fragrant spices and fresh herbs. This wholesome dish combines fluffy basmati rice with a bright green paste of spinach, cilantro, mint, and green chilies, creating a flavorful, nutrient-packed base. Infused with the warm notes of cumin, cardamom, and cinnamon, the pilau boasts a perfect balance of earthy and zesty flavors. Golden toasted cashews add a delightful crunch, while a splash of lemon juice brightens every bite. Ideal as a vegetarian main course or a festive side, this one-pot wonder is as visually striking as it is delicious. Ready in just under an hour, it's a must-try for lovers of fresh, flavorful, and aromatic dishes.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3.5 cups Water
• 2 cups Fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup Fresh cilantro leaves (coriander)
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves
• 2 pieces Green chilies
• 3 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 inch Fresh ginger
• 1 medium Onion, finely sliced
• 0.5 cup Cashews, whole
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 3 pieces Cardamom pods
• 4 pieces Cloves
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a blender, combine spinach leaves, cilantro, mint leaves, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Add a few tablespoons of water and blend into a smooth paste. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cashews and toast them until golden brown. Remove the cashews with a slotted spoon and set aside for garnish.

Step 4

In the same pot, add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, and the cinnamon stick. Sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 5

Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the green paste prepared earlier and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the raw aroma disappears.

Step 7

Add the drained rice to the pot and stir gently to coat the grains with the green mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.

Step 8

Pour in 3.5 cups of water. Add salt and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 9

Turn off the heat and let the pilau sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then stir in the lemon juice.

Step 11

Garnish with the toasted cashews and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1715.3 grams (1715.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1309

Total Fat 61.30g	79%
Saturated Fat 10.10g	51%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2484mg	108%
Total Carbohydrate 169.90g	62%
Dietary Fiber 22.40g	80%
Total Sugars 18.60g
Protein 38.00g	76%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 685mg	53%
Iron 27mg	151%
Potassium 2149mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.9%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 49.1%