It’s a Merry mood in the air, the favourite holiday is right around the corner. Christmas, a day that holds all time together, with the fresh smell of the sweet refreshing pines surrounded by lights of hopes, happy spirits escorting the most awaited union of the near and dear ones, dwelling in the ethereal vein in efforts to make the most of the time together engaging in all things collective, from games to cooking.Gracing the occasion is a lavish spread of Christmas delicacies that is devoured throughout. 

Sweet or savoury, bland or spicy, Rice has got the demeanour that blends into a reminiscing delicacy to cherish the wonderful feast the holiday was. It’s time you took the shot. It’s worth a try, for real. Now, to convince you further, here is an invitation to try your hand at the skill of rices this Christmas. A recipe that might slide into you ‘family cook book’ after this Christmas, let’s discover. But first, you should know JustHaat has got you covered with everything you would need.

How about you try “Pilaf’’ this time around, and let us know how it turned out and how you loved it.

Here’s everything you will need to create this delicious Brazilian festive recipe, that is an official Christmas rice.Scented with warm spices and studded with dried fruit and almonds, this golden Rice Pilaf, pairs beautifully with grilled chicken kababs, lamb kofta, grilled Moroccan-style meatballs or falafel. 

What is the best rice to use for rice pilaf?
The best rice for rice pilaf is long grain rice, like Basmati rice. However, you can always use any rice of your choice.

This recipe will suffice 4 Servings and will take you about 35 minutes to achieve, 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook.

Everything you will need:

1-1/2 cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onions, from one small onion
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-1/4 cups water
1-1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup dried fruit, such as currants, raisins or finely chopped dried apricots
1/4 cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes

How to achieve the perfect pilaf:

1.Place the rice in a medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Using your hands, gently swish the grains to release any excess starch. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the rice in the bowl. Repeat four to five times, until the water runs almost clear. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the water from rice. Place the strainer over a bowl and set aside.

2.Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring regularly, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. 

3.Add the cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. 

4.Add the rice to the pot, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil.

5.Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. 

6.Off the heat, remove the lid and sprinkle the dried fruit over the rice (do not mix in). Place the lid over the pot and let stand for 10 minutes. 

7.Toss in the toasted almonds, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Products which is used in Rice Pilaf 

• Tilda Basmati Rice 
• Natco Pure Butter Ghee
• Small Onion
• Natco Cumin Ground
• Natco Turmeric Powder
• Natco Ground Cinnamon (Cassia)
• Fresh Peeled Garlic
• Tata Salt 
• Natco Black Pepper Ground
• Natco Raisins Golden
• Fudco Dry Apricots
• Fudco Almonds

JustHaat is offering home delivery, get everything you need within a click and enjoy your cooking spree this Christmas.

Bon appetite!