Simple Garlic Black Pepper Rice

Football season has started with college football taking over the Saturdays and NFL on Sundays. Every week before the games I usually prepare some snacks but slowly I have changed that into preparing healthy and regular food that stops me from munching in between games (That is the reason I like to give but the truth is I don't like to move out of my lucky spot when the San Diego Chargers play). Superstitious! Yes I am. The last two weeks have been really very disappointing for us since the game boiled down to the last few seconds and we lost by a point( that happened when I moved a little from the spot).

For week 2 I made palak paneer, garlic pepper rice and served it with store bought naan. The rice was for my daughter and I wanted it to add some flavor. Before the games I wanted to make something simple and quick.

Gadgets:

Heavy bottom pan

Bowl

Spatula

Ingredients:

Rice - 1 cup (I used basmati)

Mustard seeds - 1 tsp

Cashew nuts - 1/2 cup

Garlic Powder - 1 tsp

Pepper Powder - 1 tsp (lower if you don't want it spicy)

Oil - 1 tbsp

Water - 2 1/2 cups

Salt to taste

Cilantro - finely chopped 3 tbsps

Preparation:

1. Soak the rice in water for 10 minutes.

2. Heat the cooking pan and add the oil, mustard seeds wait for them to pop and then the cashews.

3. When they get roasted add garlic powder and pepper powder.

4. Drain the water and store them. Add the rice and roast it for 2 minutes. Add the drained water back with some salt and cook covered on medium until the rice is done.

5. Garnish with cilantro and serve it on the side with any kind of food.