| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 370 | 6g | 4g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 32g | 4g | 6g | 0.15g |
When it comes to capturing the essence of New York City’s diverse culinary scene, some recipes catch my fancy more than others. One of my personal favorites is a delightful fusion dish that dances delightfully between the lines of sweet and savoury: the Sweet Tamarind Rice. Made using an exciting blend of flavors from various parts of the world, this unique recipe plays a part in showcasing my beloved city’s true multicultural spirit.
The Backstory
As a native New Yorker, I find the city’s melting pot of cultures truly inspiring – each one brings their own unique colors to the table, painting a vibrant gastronomic picture. The Sweet Tamarind Rice is my tribute to this. This dish takes the earthy, hearty soul of Southern India and fuses it with fruity flavors that wouldn’t be out of place in a Middle Eastern bazaar or a rustic American farmers market.
Health Comes First
Though the Sweet Tamarind Rice might seem like a simple fusion dish, it brings with it a wealth of health benefits. The basmati rice serves as a source of instant energy, regulating your blood sugar with its low glycemic index source. Tamarind, with its sweet and sour tang, is a powerhouse of antioxidants source, while the coconut, peanuts, and dried fruits contribute healthy fats and fibers. Even the spices have hidden health benefits, with turmeric being a known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant source.
The Sweet Tamarind Rice, much like New York City itself, offers you something new and exciting with every bite. Each ingredient works together harmoniously, creating a taste that’s not only impossible to resist but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition.
A Complementary Symphony
In the world of dishes, I find the Sweet Tamarind Rice to be incredibly versatile. It stands boldly on its own, demanding attention with its unique array of flavors. However, it also works beautifully as a companion to more subtly-spiced dishes, like a pan-grilled chicken breast or some slow-cooked lentils.
The Sweet Tamarind Rice also bears similarities to Middle Eastern pilafs and South American sweet rice dishes, bridging culinary worlds with its eclectic mix of ingredients. If you are a fan of dishes like the Persian Jeweled Rice or the Cuban Arroz con Leche, you’ll find yourself drawn to the Sweet Tamarind Rice.
In the end, the beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to teleport you to different corners of the world with each mouthful. Much like how I manage to portray diverse characters on-stage, this dish encapsulates the performance of flavors, keeping you enchanted from beginning to end.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 4 cups of water
- 1 cup of sweetened tamarind concentrate
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1/4 cup of unsalted roasted peanuts
- 1/4 cup of dried unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of chopped dried fruits (like apricots, figs or dates)
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Then, add the rinsed rice and 4 cups of water to a large pot. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook until all the water is absorbed. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step Two
While the rice is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and cook until they begin to sputter and pop.
Step Three
Next, add the turmeric, roasted peanuts, dried coconut, and raisins to the pan. Stir to combine and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the raisins start to plump up.
Step Four
Add in the chopped dried fruits and the tamarind concentrate. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. If you like a bit of spice, you can also add in the red chili powder at this point.
Step Five
Now, add the cooked rice to the pan with the tamarind mixture. Stir to combine so that all the rice is coated in the tamarind mixture. Season with salt to taste.
Step Six
Once everything is well combined, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish the sweet tamarind rice with the chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Sweet Tamarind Rice!
