16-18count cleaned Brussels sprouts halved or quartered
1tablespoonoil
1teaspoonagave or raw sugar
Salt to taste
2-3tablespoonswater
For roasting Butternut Squash
1cupcubed or fries like butternut squash
1tablespoonoil
Salt to taste
Couple of twists of pepper
Additionally needed
Fistful of chopped fresh mint leaves
Dried cranberries
Roasted cashews or any other nuts
Instructions
Wash and soak rice at least for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
After 30 minutes drain out all the water.
In a wide heavy bottom or a non stick pan, heat up some oil .
Once warm , add in the whole spices and saute for 30 seconds.
Now add in the onions and saute until translucent .
Add in the grated garlic and the drained rice.
Saute the rice for 1 minute.
Now add in the tomato paste, turmeric, cayenne pepper, garam masala , some salt and 2 cups of water.
Mix well and let the rice come to a boil. Now add in the saffron and reduce the heat to low and cook the rice covered until rice is tender and all the water is absorbed say about 15 minutes.
Check for 80 % doneness
Do not overcook the rice.
Switch off the heat and let the rice sit covered and undisturbed for 10 minutes.
The rest of the rice will be perfectly cooked with the steam inside .
Fluff rice with the fork .
For pan roasting Brussels sprouts
In a non stick pan heat oil.
Once warm , add in the Brussels sprouts and cook on low medium heat stirring occasionally .
Add in salt and water and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sprouts feel tender and charred a bit.
Add in agave and pepper and keep aside.
For pan roasting butternut squash
In the same pan heat up some oil.
Once warm add in the squash and some salt.
Cook on a low heat for 8 – 10 minutes or until tender.
Assembling the Pilaf
Add the sprouts and squash to the Pilaf and give it a gentle mix ..
Add in fresh mint, handful of dried cranberries and nuts.
Serve warm .
Notes
You can roast the squash and sprouts in the oven instead of pan roasting them. Use ghee instead of coconut oil Make this Pilaf up to 2 days ahead of time . Add 1-2 tablespoon more water to rice if needed. Whole spices makes the Pilaf more fragrant and flavorful. Skip if unavailable.