Basmati Hazelnut Stir Fry

Name: Basmati Hazelnut Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium potatoes (diced); 1 cup sweet peas; 1/2 cup hazelnuts soaked in water overnight; 1 1/2 cups whole basmati rice; 3 cups water; 6-7 saffron stamens; 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder; 4 pods cardamom (crushed); 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; 1 teaspoon cumin powder; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 tablespoon coconut butter; 1/2 cup dry desiccated coconuts

By Dada Shivananda

I had some leftover basmati rice from the day before and needed to whip up a quick lunch for friends. Sitting in the kitchen corner were two noticeably ripe aubergines, so I diced them, marinated them in spices, and let them rest before grilling them in the oven for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, I rehydrated dried kombu algae in water to prepare a light, refreshing salad. Fortunately, I had leftover hazelnuts that had been soaking since the previous day for homemade milk—though that plan didn’t materialize! Instead, I roasted them to perfection and tossed them into the stir-fry for a delightful crunch. A Delicious 35-Minute Creation What emerged was a warm and fragrant basmati rice dish, beautifully infused with spices. The smoky essence of the grilled aubergines paired harmoniously with the soft yet crispy potatoes. Sweet peas added a fresh contrast, while the toasted hazelnuts introduced a satisfying nuttiness and crunch—an absolute delight for the senses! It was truly a joyful lunch. What a fantastic way to give leftovers a makeover! This quick and easy stir-fry pairs wonderfully with aubergine canapés, smoky pesto, and kombu salad. Follow the recipe below to recreate this dish. Also, if you're interested, here are the recipes for

Aubergine canapés,

Smoky Pesto

, and the

Kombu Algae Salad

Nutrition Benefits: Basmati rice has a low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar levels, and is rich in fiber for healthy digestion. It also provides thiamine essential for brain health. Hazelnuts boost the dish with antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels.

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