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Easy Rice Eggplant Pilaf

Easy, budget-friendly crowd-pleaser side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Healthy
Diet: Vegan
Keyword: Crowd-pleaser, One-pot meal, Plant-Based
Servings: 4
Author: Shelly

Ingredients

  • 2 cups diced eggplant
  • 1 teaspoon salt - divided
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 small onion - diced
  • 4 scallions - chopped
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • 2 cups basmati rice - washed thoroughly
  • 2 cups + 2 tablespoons water
  • Serve with: Chili oil and tarragon - optional

Instructions

  • Mix the diced eggplant with ½ teaspoon salt. Warm the olive oil in a high-rimmed skillet. Add the eggplant, onion, scallion and pine nuts and sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes. Add the water and remaining ½ teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and cover with a lid wrapped in a clean kitchen towel. Cook for 12 minutes. DO NOT open the pot until after you remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes!