Tomato-Basil Pilaf with Wild Mushroom Ragout

International Vegetarian Main Course Special

Italian/Mediterranean Cuisine 
Tomato-Basil Pilaf with Wild Mushroom Ragout

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Fresh Tomato- 1, Finely Chopped

Basmati Rice- 1 Cup Raw Weight/200 Grams, soaked in Water

Garlic- 3-4 Cloves Chopped

Onion- 1 Medium, Finely Chopped

Bayleaf- 1 to 2

Caraway Seeds (Shahi Jeera)- ½ Tsp.

Black Peppercorns- 4-5

Extra Light Olive Oil/Olive Pomace Oil- 1 Tbsp.

Fresh Basil Leaves

Salt & Pepper- For Seasoning

Method:

In a Sauce Pan, Heat Oil; add Onions, Black Peppercorns, Shahi Jeera, Bay Leaf & Sauté

Add Freshly Grated Garlic, Tomatoes & Tomato Puree & Sauté

(This is the Base for the Pilaf)

Add Pre Soaked Rice, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Basil Leaves, Vegetable Stock & Sauté

Once the Stock starts Rapid Boil, Turn to Low Flame & Let it simmer

Cook till all Liquid is evaporated for about 10-12 Minutes

Tip:

Butter or Margarine like Nutralite can be used instead of Olive Oil

Basil should remain Fresh & try to avoid the Colour change, so for the same add Basil towards the end

All the juices should Mix Well with the Rice & Intensify the Flavors

Garnish with Fresh Basil Leaves

Wild Mushroom Ragout

Ingredients:

For Ragout:
Olive Oil-

Garlic- 

Onion- 1 Medium, Finely Chopped

Button Mushrooms- 4, Finely Sliced

Dehydrated Wild Mushrooms- ½ Bottle

White Wine-

Thyme Flowers-

Butter-
Mustard-
Salt & Pepper- 

Method:

In a Bowl, soak the Wild Mushrooms in Water

In a Sauce Pan, Heat the Water-Wild Mushroom Mix & Simmer for about 5-6 Minutes

When done, Strain & Roughly Chop

Keep the Boiled Mushroom Stock aside

For the Ragout:

Heat Olive Oil in Pan, Add Onion, Garlic & Sauté

Add Mushrooms, Thyme Flowers, Wild Mushrooms & Sauté

Add White Wine, Wild Mushroom Stock & Mix Well

just towards the end, add a Hint of Fresh Cream, Butter, Mustard, Salt & Pepper & Mix Well

Tip:

English- Mushroom

Hindi- Dhool ka Phool/Guchhi/Khumb/KukurMutta
Odiya- Chhatu
Telugu- Puttagodugu

I have used Organic Basmati Rice here but any regular long grain Basmati Rice can be used

Dehydrated Wild Mushrooms are very strong in their Flavor

Using equal quantities of Olive Oil & Butter is always a great combination

Also, Mushrooms & Thyme Flowers are an Excellent Combination

Add just a little Garlic in the Ragout as the Pilaf already has some of it

Feel free to share your views & do let us know how this one turned out :)