Hyacinth Beans Masala Rice Pilaf
This Hyacinth Beans Masala Rice Pilaf is the stuff of mom's cooking in Indian homes. It's a traditional dish that's as tasty as it is nutritious and easy to make. A soy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and vegan recipe.
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 177kcal
Equipment
- Large saute pan with lid
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups hyacinth beans, also called vaal beans. You can sub with lima beans. Soak these overnight, wash, and place in a saucepan with enough water to cover the bean by an inch. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil like coconut
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 medium onion
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 ½ tablespoon goda masala (garam masala will work at a pinch). Look in recipe notes below for link to both goda masala or garam masala recipes, or you can buy them online.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or any red chili pepper powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup grated fresh coconut (you can buy this in frozen packs at the Indian grocery store)
- 2 tablespoon finely chopped coriander leaves or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pot. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and when the mustard seeds sputter, add the onions and curry leaves.
- Saute until the onions start to brown, then add the goda masala, cayenne, turmeric, and coriander. Stir to mix.
- Add the rice and stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the grains of rice turn opaque.
- Add the drained hyacinth beans along with three cups of water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, cover with a tight lid, and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook 15 minutes and let the rice stand another 10 minutes without uncovering.
- Open the lid, add the coconut and cilantro, and mix with a fork, fluffing the rice gently. Serve hot with poppadum and an Indian pickle.
Notes
- Find recipes for Goda Masala and Garam Masala here.
Nutrition
Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 34.9g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 2g | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 1.2g | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1.4mg