Super Paper Mario: Saffron & Dyllis Super Show #78: Koopa Pilaf

 Koopa Pilaf is made from TURTLEY LEAF and HORSETAIL

For the horsetail we've got some more asparagus, and then for the leaf I want to make it a focal point again, so I though an indian style mint rice! I found a nice recipe online to work with so we've got fresh mint, coriander, green chilli, garlic, ginger, and pistacio nuts! And forgot to picture but also some grated coconut (i had desiccated coconut in my cupboard) and lemon juice. Oh and the rocket and tomatoes are just for garnish at the end!

Oh and gotta raid the spice boxes for a ton of spices!

Yeah im reasonably well kitted out for this. Got curry leaves, cloves, cumin seed, star anise and cardamom. Starting it in the proper indian style by frying the spices a bit first.

meanwhile ive roughly chopped the paste ingredients to get them started and then ill blend them: the green chilli, desiccated coconut,  ginger, garlic, coriander and mint

Yeah this looks pasted enough! And the asparagus and pistachio nuts can get in the pan next to brown.

if ur wondering why im using my tamagoyaki pan the answer is... idk its just really nice isnt it

Now we add the mint paste and let me tell you this smells and looks fuckin incredible! since i didnt have any whole cinnamon ive added a pinch of powder at the end and a squeeze of lemon juice.

now we measure out a decent batch of rice, add everything from the pan and some water so now it looks like SLUUUDGE (but it still smells incredible)

And after 25 mins in the steamer and a toss around with a fork its done!

*****

Soo aromatic and with a ton of depth to the flavour! It is still ultimately more of a side dish, so its a little dry and doesn't pack a punch, though the pistachio and asparagus pairs really well with a nice burst of flavour. But I would recommend rather than a rocket garnish maybe pair it with a rich curry, some smoky lamb meatballs or even just some more finely diced tomatoes.