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Pineapple and Cashew Rice

17/11/2023

Pineapple and cashew rice is a dish with its origins in Thai cuisine, also known as “Khao Pad Sapparot”. However, let’s not miss the chance to add an Italian touch to this recipe, preserving the exotic flavors but enriching it with a sprinkle of Mediterranean creativity.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of Jasmine or Basmati rice
  • 200 g of fresh pineapple, cut into cubes
  • 80 g of unsalted toasted cashews
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into cubes
  • 1 carrot, cut into julienne strips
  • 100 g of fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (optional, if not available it can be omitted)
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Vegetable oil or extra virgin olive oil as needed
  • Salt as needed
  • Green onions for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh chili or chili powder (optional)

Preparation

  1. Cook the rice following the instructions on the package, but make sure to drain it while it’s still al dente. Let the rice cool down, ideally for several hours or even overnight if possible.

  2. In a large frying pan or wok, heat a drizzle of oil and sauté the red onion and garlic until they become translucent.

  3. Add the bell pepper and carrot, and cook for a few minutes.

  4. If you like, create a space in the center of the pan, add another drizzle of oil and crack the eggs. Let them set slightly and then mix with the vegetables.

  5. Add the pineapple and peas, and continue to cook for a few minutes.

  6. Add the cold rice and mix well. Let the rice cook, stirring frequently, for a few minutes.

  7. Combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl and pour it over the rice. Mix well to evenly season.

  8. Add the toasted cashews, adjust the salt if necessary, and give it one last stir.

  9. Serve the pineapple and cashew rice hot, garnished with chopped green onions and chili to taste to add a touch of color and a slight spiciness.

Curiosities

Khao Pad Sapparot is often adorned with each serving presented inside a hollowed-out pineapple, which, besides being visually appealing, also adds an additional note of flavor and freshness. In Italy, the love for sweet and savory contrasts allows us to appreciate this exotic dish, which combines the sweetness of pineapple with the saltiness of soy sauce and the crunchiness of cashews for a truly fascinating symphony of flavors.

Pineapple and Cashew Rice