Fragrant Basmati Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit

Name: Fragrant Basmati Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1 cup uncooked basmati rice; 1 3/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth/stock; 1/2 cup dried sultanas or raisins; 1/3 cup pistachios; 1/3 cup slivered almonds; 1/4 cup dried apricots; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 clove garlic; 1/2 small onion; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground cardamom; 1/8 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp Finely chopped parsley

A beautifully aromatic and colorful side dish featuring fluffy basmati rice, toasted pistachios, and sweet dried apricots. This Middle Eastern-inspired pilaf is the perfect accompaniment to roasted meats or as a standout dish for holiday feasts.

Servings5 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time20 Mins

Difficulty

Easy

Ingredients

uncooked basmati rice
1 cup
vegetable or chicken broth/stock
0.3 cup
dried sultanas or raisins
0.5 cup
pistachios
0.3 cup
slivered almonds
0.3 cup
dried apricots
0.3 cup
unsalted butter
2 tbsp
garlic
2 clove
small onion
0.5
ground cinnamon
0.3 tsp
ground cardamom
0.3 tsp
ground cumin
0.1 tsp
black pepper
0.3 tsp
Finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place a large, dry saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the slivered almonds and pistachios. Toast the nuts, shaking the pan frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove them from the pan immediately to prevent burning and set aside.

In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion, sautéing until the onion is soft and translucent.

Add the uncooked basmati rice to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring the grains are well-coated in butter and begin to look slightly translucent.

Stir in the ground cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the sultanas and chopped dried apricots. Stir once to combine.

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and bring the liquid to a simmer. As soon as it simmers, turn the heat down to medium-low (or low if your stove is particularly strong).