Turmeric Eggplant Rice (Meatless Recipe)

A very simple rice which is easy to be prepared and at the same time healthy and nutritious too. I had no intention to cook this. While looking through my fridge, I saw that I still had some brinjals/eggplants and lemongrass. So, just took out the brinjal and beginning to wash it. As for the lemongrass, I had wanted to use it for a simple stewed chicken. Oh gosh, I realised that the chicken meat was still in the freezer, ah.... At the spur of the moment, it crossed my mind that in order to make life easier for me, I decided to cook Fragrant Eggplant Rice , the one that I had posted earlier but wanted to have it different.

So, this is the result of this simple one-pot rice meal!

Ingredients :

- 3 cups of rice (I used brown rice)

- water (the usual measurement as per your rice cooker model, but less about 1/2" of water)

- 3 brinjals (washed and cut)

- 4 stalks of lemongrass (washed, slit and bruised)

- 1/2 tbsp of turmeric power

- 3 cloves garlic (crushed)

- 1 thumb size ginger (crushed)

- 1" cinnamon stick

- 1 star anise

- 1 tbsp of ghee/butter (I used ghee)

- salt (to taste)

Method :

1) Wash rice. Add water but less about 1/2" of water of the usual measurement; depending on the model of your rice cooker.

2) Add all the ingredients except brinjals and butter. Stir and mix well and press the cook button; the usual way you cook your rice.

3) When the rice is just about to cook (just before the cook button signal), add in the brinjals. Continue cooking or keep warm for about half an hour.