Pilaf (also known
as pilav, pilau, plov, pulao, polu and palaw)
is a dish in which rice is
cooked in a seasoned broth.. In
some cases, the rice may also attain its brown color by being stirred with bits
of cooked onion, as well as a large mix of spices. Depending on the
local cuisine, it may also contain meat, fish, vegetables,
and (dried) fruits.
Pilaf and similar
dishes are common to Balkan, Middle Eastern, Caucasian, Central and South Asian, East African, North Indian, Latin American and Caribbean cuisines.
It is a staple food and a national dish in Afghan,Azerbaijani, Bukharan Jewish,
Swahili (Kenyan and Zanzibari), Uzbek,
and Tajik cuisines (source : Wiki)
Today presenting a different but totally delicious Pilaf from Oman
– Omani Walnut-Lentil and Mint Pilaf. Both me and DH were blown away with the
minty taste, the earthiness of the walnut and the crunch from the brown lentils.
Omani cuisine is predominantly chicken, lamb based, although sea
food is also featured. I got this recipe from a friend who spent many years in
the Middle-East, and this was her go-to recipe for a vegetarian potluck. I am
glad we made it, and shall be making this very often.
********************************
Country : Oman
Dish : Omani Minty walnut and Lentil Pilaf (Main course dish)
Spice level : Medium to high
Serving suggestions : Raita or just plain yoghurt
Prep time : 15 mins | Cook time: 20 mins | Serves : 4
Adapted from : my friend’s recipe
Ingredients:
- Rice – long grained – 1 cup
- Fresh mint – ½ cup
- Brown whole lentils (whole
masoor) – soaked for 30 mins in warm water - Toasted walnuts – ¼ cup (or a large handful)
- Onions – 3 medium
- Green chillies – 3 (low spice variety)
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 2 TBSP
- Garam masala – 1 tsp
- Cream – 2 tsp
Method:
- Wash and soak rice in water for 20 mins. Meanwhile, also wash and
soak whole masoor (whole brown lentils) in another pan of warm water for 20
mins. - Toast the walnuts for approx. 1 min and coarsely chop them.
- Take half of both the walnuts & diced onions, all the chillies and puree them
without too much water to a smooth paste. - In a large pan, heat the oil. Add the paste and remaining onions, sauté for 2-4
mins. Now add the drained rice and lentils and water and cook with salt till
they are ¾ done (approx. 20 mins) – you can alternatively put them in a rice
cooker, but switch off after 20 mins. - Now add the rest of the walnuts, cream, garam masala. Stir well,
and simmer till the rice fluffs up and the lentils are done (not mushy). - Serve hot with any raita or just yoghurt.
Lets see what the other marathoners have dished out for the World
Blogging Marathon.
Srivalli says
That sounds like one delicious pulao Kalyani..good to see a good option for vegetarian.
MySpicyKitchen says
Minty pulao looks delicious! Nice presentation
Varada's Kitchen says
A nice wholesome healthy one dish meal.
Priya Suresh says
Such a hearty,healthy and flavourful pilaf, fantastic dish to enjoy thoroughly.
vaishali sabnani says
Mint, masoor and walnuts! That's a nice combo for rice. Would love to try it soon.This rice platter looks real delicious and flavorful.
Harini R says
Wow! that is a rare combo of walnut , lentils in pilaf, Kalyani.
Suma Gandlur says
This is one nutritious and interesting pilaf. It can be a great lunch box item.
Unknown says
I was even thinking of making pilaf for Oman then changed my mind 🙂 very very tempting and flavourful pilaf dear 🙂 Love the masoor dal and walnut combo 🙂 I wud love to finish this healthy rice now 🙂
Pavani says
Such a healthy & flavorful rice dish.
Gayathri Kumar says
Mint has always been my favourite herb. And the pilaf with mint looks so yumm...
The Pumpkin Farm says
mint is a nice twist to this otherwise regular pulav, and yes the additional of walnuts makes it richer
Chef Mireille says
what a flavorful pilaf
Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen says
I can feel the aroma of fresh mint here!!! Looks scrumptious and lunch time here this is really killing me now!!!
Padmajha says
Mint and lentils with walnuts and that too in rice is simply awesome!!!
Archana says
Mint, lentils and walnuts!!!! awesome.