The other day S brought a whole peeled pineapple to eat. We ate around a third of it and then I was left wondering what to do with the rest of the pineapple. I usually make a pineapple onion raita with pineapple, but thought I should do something different with it. I then tried this pseudo-Thai Pineapple Rice and it was yum!

This pineapple rice is inspired by the Thai one but is Indianised as I am wont to usually do. I also tried to make it slightly healthier without the addition of any coconut milk.

Pineapple Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked in water for 20 minutes, then drained completely and kept aside
• 1 onion, chopped finely
• ½ cup of pineapple chunks chopped into medium sized pieces
• 2 tbsps raw peanuts
• 2 tbsps cashew nuts
• 1 green chilli, chopped into smallish slices
• 1-inch piece ginger julienned
• 1 tsp garlic paste or finely minced garlic
• ½ carrot chopped into small pieces
• 2 tbsps frozen sweet corn
• 2 tbsps frozen green peas
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp oil
• Coriander leaves and chopped green onions to garnish

Method:

• Cook the basmati rice and when cooked, spread it on a large plate and cool completely.
• In a pan heat the oil and when the oil warms up, add the garlic paste and ginger juliennes and stir for a couple of seconds. Then add the green chillies and let them cook for a few seconds.
• Now add the raw peanuts and cashew nuts and let them brown.
• Add the onion and let the onions cook till they become translucent.
• When translucent, add the carrots, green peas and corn and let it cook.
• Now add the pineapple chunks and let the pineapple slightly caramelised.
• Add salt to taste and let it all cook for a few minutes.
• Switch off the flame and add the rice and mix well.
• Check for seasoning and serve hot garnished with coriander leaves and chopped green onions.