One of the dishes that allows for nice generous quantities of turmeric is curry! So I decided to make this Thai Basil Green Curry pilaf. Very easy to make and yummy to taste. Not to mention, it has amazing healing herbs and spices. Like many of my foods, this is my own recipe creation- and I really loved it's taste & texture! Do let me know your thoughts in comments below...
To start, heat some coconut or sesame oil in a pan. Next add some cumin seeds. Once cumin starts to release it's aroma, add a few dried Thai chilies as well as finely chopped fresh green Thai chilies, onions and garlic. Mix well and saute for a few minutes, till onions soften and turn a little golden. Now add shrimps, generous quantity of dried basil leaves (but remember, its a taste lending spice- don't over do it! :)), green Thai curry powder, an extra pinch of turmeric, a little dried ginger powder and salt to taste (prefer to use either Himalayan Black or Pink salt). Mix well cook for a minute or two. Then add previously cooked parboiled rice, mix further- cover and cook on medium to low heat for a few minutes. This really allows these ingredients to cook softly and for the flavors and aromas to blend well. Lift lid, add a sliver of organic butter and dried chilies flakes. Cover and cook for a few more minutes...
Dried chili flakes, lend a nice color and texture to this dish. They are not really spicy anyways- but if you are sensitive to hot & spicy foods, then adjust chilies in this recipe accordingly. Finally switch off heat, remove lid- mix well and serve hot.
Garnish with a few dried coconut flakes and your one-meal dish is appealing to the eye, fantastic to taste and very healing for your body. This recipe has some of the awesome healing herbs- turmeric, ginger, cumin, basil as well as capcisum (in chilies).
Note: Even though some recipes ask to add rice and water and then cook in the pan, I find these rice pilaf flavors more vibrant when we add previously cooked and cooled par-boiled rice.