- 1 small eggplant (1/2 pound), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup white basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried currants
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 large tomato, peeled seeded, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup shelled natural pistachios, coarsely chopped
- Cover eggplant with water in a bowl and add 1 1/2 tablespoons salt. Soak 30 minutes. Drain eggplant and squeeze handfuls to remove excess moisture, then pat dry.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then sauté eggplant, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned, about 7 minutes. Cool eggplant.
- Cook onions in remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add rice and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups water, raisins, remaining 1/2 tablespoon salt, and cinnamon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered and undisturbed, until rice is tender, about 12 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork and gently stir in tomato and eggplant. Let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Uncover and cool 10 minutes. Stir in dill, then transfer pilaf to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle with pistachios.