I wish I could say that he liked the rice pilaf, but he didn't. The cardamom is a flavor unfamiliar to him (even though I have used it sparingly in some of my other FFwD recipes) and he didn't like the ground pepper or the lemon zest in the rice. My daughter, on the other hand, loved this dish and was surprised that I used some of the basmati rice that she gave me a few weeks ago. When she handed the bag to me in the kitchen, asking, "You like basmati rice, don't you?" I knew that what she really meant was that she had tried the rice and didn't like it.
What did I think about it, you ask? Well, I had to agree with John. I didn't care for the pepper and cardamom in the rice, but I did like the fresh taste of the lemon zest. I do like basmati rice though and will try making this again, but without the ground pepper and less cardamom. Seven seeds was just too much for us when it is a spice that we are still getting acquainted with.
I am looking forward to reading what the other Doristas did with this recipe over at French Fridays with Dorie and I know I will be inspired as I am every week by their creativity.
You can find this recipe on p. 378 of Dorie Greenspan's Around My French Table.
Next French Friday: Warm-Weather Vegetable Pot-au-feu
Before sitting down to write this post, I asked DH if he had any final thoughts on the rice. He shrugged it off and said it was just a side dish. I forgot to add the lemon zest, but now I wish I didn't. Point me later in the direction of your salsa recipe!
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you had one fan! I count that as a victory :)
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that your daughter gave you the basmati and may probably ask for it back after trying this pilaf. Who knows, she might even join our cooking group in the near future? ;-)
ReplyDeleteHow interesting that this dish got mixed reviews from your family. I'm definitely in the boat with your husband, because I too am used to eating my rice in a specific way. Kudos on your post!
ReplyDeleteI am guessing you are not of
ReplyDeleteScandinavian decent. Cardamom was a very common spice in my mother's cooking, at least for sweets. I have been on hiatus from the French Fridays, but I will have to try this one!
I was a bit sceptical about the cardamom myself!
ReplyDeleteMy 10 year old and I sat there smelling the seeds for a bit trying to work out what the smell reminded us of! We couldn't put our finger on it and went ahead with it hesitantly! He loved it but my 13 year old daughter wasn't as thrilled by it! Great photos, really like your blue dish!
So sorry this wasn't a huge hit for you and your husband. It looks wonderful, though! :)
ReplyDeleteI can see where the cardamom would not be for everyone if you aren't used to the flavor. Maybe a lesser amount of ground cardamom would have done the trick?
ReplyDeleteLooks great, Elaine and I like the description of the meal as well. Althought I like this rice dish, that hasn't been the case with every FFWD recipe. But, for me, the idea is to push us out of our comfort zones and try something new. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt's a shame that we can't like everything we've spent time making. It happens to all of us. Next week there will probably be a recipe more to your liking. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteEven though you guys didn't love this rice you can still say you tried it! It was a different flavor and when I took my first bite I wasn't sure my family would like it. But then it grew on me and we all enjoyed it (even my 7 year old - but she loves rice).
ReplyDeleteI usually use cardamom in desserts and loved this recipe. I'm still laughing at your daughter's love-hate relationship with basmati :)
ReplyDeleteWe'd probably love your salsa at our house. Sorry you did not care for this rice...we thought it was quite good, but we had to make a meal to go with it, otherwise I'd not want to just sit down to a bowl of this rice...not as good as fried or Mexican rice...
ReplyDeleteSometimes we just don't like a particular spice, oh well!
ReplyDeleteI tried this cardamom rice pilaf with a spicy lamb tagine and it was good as a side dish. Cardamom has a flavor that is just not for everybody that's for sure.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend;-)
Glad your daughter liked this and that you gave it a go :). It looks great!
ReplyDeleteLove love the family dynamics where you can "decode" the rice transfer into your daughter not caring for the item. I can so relate and can't even tell you how many times Nana and I trade stuff back and forth. And some good stuff at that :) My favorite is when either of us is "gifted" an item from elsewhere and it just doesn't "move" at our house. I tease my family that I am "having a sale on oranges...or jams...or whatever is fabulous but sitting around". Of course the recipient usually makes something amazing right out of the gate and then you want the item back...or better yet - them to keep cooking it for you :) Great post.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear this wasn't one of your favorites, Elaine. This cookbook has such a variety of recipes that we're destined not to LOVE them all. I enjoy cardamom in many baked goods, though I haven't used it much in savory dishes. I'd love to hear more about your salsa. We love salsa, especially the hot stuff.
ReplyDeleteI thought that the lemon was the best flavoring element too. This wasn't my favorite either, but glad you enjoyed trying it!
ReplyDeleteYour pilaf looks good - sorry it wasn't your thing. I am salivating thinking of the rice soaking up the juice from the steaks - mmmm ....
ReplyDeleteI agree that the lemon was the best part of the rice. I love cardamom, but it was a bit too strong here. Your rice looks lovely!
ReplyDeleteCardamom and rice is an intriguing combo but I agree, it might take some getting used to. I need to pick up AMFT again- I've been neglecting it.
ReplyDeleteNot every recipe can please every person. Glad to hear your daughter liked it though. I think you pilaf looks great! Better luck with the next recipe
ReplyDeletei like cardamom but not in rice..but i love to eat lemon rice..But your dish is looking great..:)
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