Central Provisions Vadouvan Rice Pilaf

Year after year Central Provisions continues to make the list of top spots to eat in Portland and Maine, not to mention it was a James Beard finalist! Chris and Paige, the duo behind the restaurant, have shared this recipe for their Vadouvan Rice Pilaf. As part of our collaborative collection with Central Provisions, this recipe uses the Vadouvan Spice Blend, a French curry which combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, garlic and Demerara sugar with spice forward notes of a madras curry, to elevate your next rice pilaf.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 cup onion, small diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Vadouvan Spice Blend
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1.5 cups water
• 1/2 bunch cilantro
• Zest of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium sized pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in onions with a pinch of salt and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes.
2. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add Vadouvan Spice Blend and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add rice and toast the rice for about 1 minute.
5. Add water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 17 minutes or until liquid is fully absorbed, undisturbed.
6. Turn off heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Add lime zest and salt to taste
8. Fluff rice with a fork then plate and garnish with cilantro leaves. Enjoy!