Zucchini and Red Pepper Pilaf

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1.5 c. basmati rice
• 3 tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 med. onion, chopped
• 2 small zucchini (about 5 oz. total), cut into medium dice
• 1 small red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, diced
• 2 tbs. curry powder
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2.75 c. chicken stock
• salt to taste

Steps:

1. Rinse and drain rice. Soak rice in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse well.
2. Heat heavy pot over medium heat. Melt butter. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini and bell pepper, cook for another 5 minutes. Add curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper and stir until mixture is fragrant, about 1 minute. Meanwhile, heat chicken stock.
3. Add rice and toss gently until grains are coated with oil. Add hot chicken stock (and salt), bring to boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, about 17 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let stand, without disturbing, for 15 minutes. Fluff with fork, and serve.

Notes:

• My grocery store believes in monster vegetables, so one zucchini and 1/2 red bell pepper more than fills the bill here.

Keywords: Pacific, Rice.