TVP Pilaf

The best of the recipes that feature TVP; this one doesn’t try to pretend like it’s meat.
Makes 3 cups

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 tsp. cumin seeds
3 cardamom pods
1 bay leaf
1 inch cinnamon stick
4 whole cloves
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups TVP
2 cups water
1/2 tsp. turmeric
3/4 tsp. salt

Heat the oil over high heat. Add the cumin, cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon and cloves. When the cumin turns a shade darker, add the garlic and cook until the garlic is golden. Add the TVP and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Add the water, turmeric and salt. Bring to a boil and turn the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let sit for 15 minutes. It reheated very well in the microwave.