Cardamom Rice with Eggplants

Cardamom rice with eggplants is a dish that blends oriental flavors with the touch of aromatic spices. Here is a recipe you can follow, with a small Italian twist that never hurts: for instance, we could add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavor of the eggplants.

Ingredients

• 200 g of basmati rice or another long-grain rice
• 2 medium-sized eggplants
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 400 ml of vegetable broth
• A pinch of chili powder (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Chopped fresh coriander to garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Begin by washing the rice under cold running water until the water becomes very clear. Then, let it soak in fresh water for about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, wash the eggplants and cut them into 2 cm cubes. If you wish, you can leave them in a colander with some salt for 30 minutes to remove their bitter taste.
3. Warm a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a wide pan and add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and cumin seeds. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Add the eggplant cubes to the pan and cook until they start to turn golden.
5. Remove the seeds from the cardamom pods, crush them in a mortar until powdered (you can also use pre-ground cardamom if preferred).
6. Drain the rice and add it to the pan along with the cardamom seeds, salt, and chili powder. Toast the rice for about one minute, stirring constantly.
7. Pour the hot broth over the rice, bring to a boil, and then lower the heat. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the rice absorbs all the liquid (about 15-20 minutes).
8. Remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 5 minutes.
9. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, then serve garnished with chopped fresh coriander if you like.

Curiosity

Cardamom is a spice highly prized in Indian cuisine and other Southeast Asian countries. It is said to have digestive properties and is used not only in savory dishes but also in many desserts and drinks, such as chai.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!