Miso Braised Leeks & Carrots with Cilantro Cardamom Basmati

Recipe from Courtney West (Sweet Miscellany)

Notes: leave the root ends intact on the leeks so that they will stay together while braising. If you already have some cooked rice on hand, you can sub in 2 cups. The leeks will braise quicker than the carrots so make sure to check them a couple of times towards the end of the cooking time.

ingredients

Carrots & Leeks
1 bunch carrots, scrubbed & tops trimmed
2 leeks, scrubbed & dark green tops removed
heaped tbsp coconut oil
1 tbsp miso
1 cup vegan vegetable broth
pinch of sea salt & pepper
Rice
3/4 cup white basmati rice
1 1/4 cups of water (plus a bit more if needed)
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
5 smashed green cardamom pods (1/4 to 1/2 tsp powdered cardamom)
juice of 1/2 a lemon
3 tbsp minced cilantro
pinch of sea salt

instructions

Make the rice: combine the rice, water, coconut oil, and cardamom pods in a pot. Heat over high until it just starts to boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, stir it a couple of times, then cover and cook for 15 minutes. If the rice looks a bit dry towards the end of the cooking time, add up to 1/4 cup more water. Remove the rice from the heat, leaving the top on it so it can steam.

Make the veggies: heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Mix the broth and miso together in a small bowl and set aside. Add the carrots and leeks in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes. Flip and sear on the other side for 1-2 more minutes. Add the miso broth mixture to the pan, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pan and braise the carrots and leeks 15-20 minutes until tender.

Put everything together: remove the cardamom pods from the rice and discard. Add the lemon juice, cilantro, and pinch of salt to the rice and mix to combine. Make a bed of rice on a serving platter or plate and arrange the carrots and leeks over the top of it. Spoon any of the leftover miso broth over the veggies and garnish with additional cilantro if you prefer. Makes 2 main servings or 4 side servings.

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