Jasmine Rice Delight

This rice dish is as full of delightful flavors as a Christmas tree surrounded by gifts. It’s wonderful to serve with chicken or pork.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

1 tablespoons sesame oil

1 small onion, diced

2 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and chopped (wear gloves to do this)

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons cinnamon

¹/₄ teaspoon black pepper

¹/₂ cup cauliflower florets

2 carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds

1 small zucchini, cubed

2 cups jasmine rice

4 cups water

¹/₂ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons golden raisins

¹/₂ cup raw, shelled cashews

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the sesame oil and add the onions and jalapenos, stirring to cook for about 3 minutes.

2. Add the cayenne, cinnamon, and pepper, and stir to coat the onions and peppers. Add the cauliflower, carrots, and zucchini and stir. Put the mixture into the slow cooker.

3. Add the rice, water, and salt, and stir to combine.

4. Cover and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours or on High for about 2 hours until rice is tender and vegetables are cooked. Add the raisins and cashews and heat through before serving.

Jasmine rice originated in Thailand and has grown in popularity around the world. It has a fragrant, nutty aroma, and is characteristically less sticky when cooked than other varieties of rice. While it’s available in brown and white versions (brown has the hull), the white rice is most preferred.