Vegetable Pilau Recipe

A cheap and simple family staple that can be served as a meal on its own, or as a side dish for a delicious curry.

Ingredients for Vegetable Pilau Rice:

• 2 aubergines (cut into 1 inch cubes)
• Salt
• Olive Oil
• 1 large onion (peeled and sliced)
• 14 oz can of tomatoes (drained and mashed)
• Large pinch of dried parsley and mint (or a tablespoon each of chopped fresh parsley and mint)
• 1¼ pints vegetable stock
• 1 lb long grain rice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method for Vegetable Pilau Rice:

1. Sprinkle the diced aubergines with salt and put aside for 30 minutes. Rinse under cold running water and then pat dry with kitchen roll.
2. Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the pan and put to one side.
3. Add the onion to the pan and cook for 4 or 5 minutes until soft.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, parsley, mint and the aubergines and cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the rice and stock and bring to the boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the rice is tender.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 6 as a side dish or 3-4 as a main meal.