Mushroom Pilaff Rice

Keeping in line with my theme of rice dishes, this is another well loved recipe. I first ate Mushroom Pilaff Rice in the cafeteria in my office. Unlike other spicy rice I had eaten this one had a distinct flavor because of the mushrooms. I personally love mushrooms so I thought it was heavenly and clever addition. Mushrooms also have a lot of nutritional benefits having nutrients found in both veggies and meat. It’s also full of anti-oxidants plus cancer fighting nutrients.

I then enquired as to why it was Pilaff and not Pilau, I was told a Pilaff is a spicy rice that does not have the full spice range of a Pilau. This recipe is very easy and quick the only ingredient that could be difficult to obtain are the button mushrooms but searching for them is well worth the effort. Enjoy!

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups of rice
200g Button Mushrooms
2 onions finely chopped½ cup peas (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon clove
4 drops soy sauce
Salt to taste
3 ½ cups hot water
3 tablespoons oil

Method

-Fry the onions, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and garlic until the onions are translucent.
-Add the mushrooms and start frying until you can smell the aroma. This should take 3-4 minutes
-Add the hot water, soy sauce and salt to taste and bring to a boil
-Add the peas
-Add the rice and allow it to boil until all the water is absorbed.
-Reduce the heat and cover with an airtight lid and let the rice finish cooking
-When ready serve hot with Chicken Stew.