India > Rice > Kanikas

Kanika with Cashews Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- 2 tbsp ghee

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, add the rice, water, coconut milk, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
7. Add the chopped cashews and sauté until golden brown.
8. Remove the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods from the rice.
9. Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon and mix in the sautéed cashews.
10. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for sautéing cashews
- High heat for boiling mixture
- Low heat for simmering rice
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 400
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Protein: 7g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almonds or peanuts can be substituted for cashews
- Jasmine rice can be substituted for Basmati rice
- Vegetable oil can be substituted for ghee

Variations:
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor
- Add diced onions and garlic for a savory flavor
- Add diced carrots and peas for a colorful variation

Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch
- Use a wooden spoon to fluff the rice to prevent it from becoming sticky
- Toast the cashews before adding them to the rice for added flavor

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Sliced red chili peppers

Pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Naan bread

Suggested side dishes:
- Cucumber raita
- Mango chutney
- Papadum

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a splash of water and reheat.
- If the rice is too wet, remove the lid and let it sit for a few minutes to evaporate excess moisture.

Food safety advice:
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Kanika is a traditional Indian rice dish that is often served at weddings and special occasions.

Flavor profiles:
- Kanika with cashews is a nutty and aromatic dish with hints of cinnamon and cardamom.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Indian

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Creamy, Spicy