Osh Kyudu

Ingredients

• •2 cups basmati rice
• •2 tbsp vegetable oil
• •1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• •2 carrots, julienned
• •3 cups pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed
• •1/2 cup raisins
• •1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• •1 tsp turmeric
• •1 tsp ground cumin
• •1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• •3 cups water or vegetable broth

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear, then soak for 20 minutes and drain.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a heavy pot and sauté the onion until lightly golden.

3. 3

   Add the carrots and pumpkin and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften.

4. 4

   Stir in the raisins, apricots, turmeric, cumin, and salt.

5. 5

   Add the drained rice and gently toss so the grains are coated with the spiced oil.

6. 6

   Pour in the water or broth and bring the pot to a boil.

7. 7

   Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook until the liquid is absorbed.

8. 8

   Turn off the heat and let the pilaf steam, covered, for 15 minutes.

9. 9

   Fluff gently with a fork, taking care not to mash the pumpkin completely, and serve warm.