Chicken Pilaf

A Chicken Pilaf to me is a one pot meal.

When I'm too busy with my cake orders and have not much time to cook. I just take about half hour away from my work so I can give me kids a hot wholesome meal.

 

Here's what you'll need

1 cup White Jasmin or Basmati Rice. ( I always use Basmati rice)

1 Chicken thigh cut into bite size pieces

1/2 cup carrots diced

1/2 cup frozen peas - thawed

1 onion (medium)

1 garlic (medium-  (minced to a paste)

1/2 tbsp ginger - minced to a paste 

1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (chopped fine)

2 tbsp Canola Oil

Salt Pepper to taste

1 1/2 cup hot water.

2 small bay leaves (Optional)

Method:

Wash and soak the rice for half hour. 

Chop the chicken to bite size pieces.

 Add 1 tbsp of oil to the pan

Place the chicken pieces and brown on high for about 2 minutes of each side.
The chicken will be cooked in the rice later.
Remove the chicken on to a paper towel to drain excess oil

To the same pan add 1 tbsp of oil and cook the onions for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add  bay leaf, the ginger and garlic. Saute for another 2 minutes

 Drain the rice and add to the pan. Continue to saute the rice for about 2 minutes on medium.

Add in the Chicken pieces.

and the dices vegetables. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Saute for two more minutes.

Next add 1 1/2 cup hot water. Wait for about 2 more minutes, you will see bubbles along the sides of the pan.

 Reduce the heat to low.

Cover the pot and let cook on low for about 20 minutes.
DO NOT open the pan. After 20 minutes switch the gas off.
DO NOT open the pan for another 10 minutes.

 After 10 minutes. Add in the chopped cilantro or parsley..

 Use a fork to fluff the rice..

Your meal is now ready.
For my family this is a good lunch.. Kids love it very much.
What's not to like, Rice, chicken, carrots and peas... a perfect combination for kids..

I do hope you try this recipe. If you do let me know what you think.
Thanks for stopping by.