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Mediterranean Rice Pilaf with Raisins, Dried Apricots, and Toasted Nuts Recipe

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3.9 from 63 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Mediterranean Rice Pilaf is a flavorful, aromatic dish featuring jasmine rice cooked with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. It includes caramelized onions, ghee, tomato paste, and a delightful mix of dried fruits and toasted nuts like raisins, apricots, pistachios, and almonds, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This comforting pilaf is ideal as a side dish or a main course and serves 8 people.

Ingredients

Spices & Aromatics

  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • A dash of ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Rice & Liquids

  • 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons ghee
  • 2 1/4 cups water or chicken stock
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste

Nuts & Fruits

  • 1 Tablespoon ghee or butter
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup dried apricot, sliced
  • 1/4 cup pistachios
  • 1/2 cup almonds

Instructions

  1. Soak the Raisins: In a small bowl, soak the raisins in some hot water for 15-20 minutes to plump them up and add moisture to the dish.
  2. Caramelize the Sugar and Onions: Heat a pan over medium heat and add the granulated sugar. Stir continuously until it caramelizes and turns an amber color. Then add the diced onion and sauté for about 1 minute until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add Spices: Stir in ground cinnamon, black pepper, and a dash of ground cloves to infuse the caramelized onion mixture with warm, aromatic flavors.
  4. Add Rice, Salt, and Ghee: Add the jasmine rice, salt, and ghee to the pan and stir everything together, coating the rice grains evenly with the flavorful mixture.
  5. Add Liquid and Tomato Paste: Pour in the water or chicken stock, then add the tomato paste. Stir well to dissolve the tomato paste into the liquid, ensuring even cooking and added depth of flavor.
  6. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil uncovered. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
  7. Toast the Nuts: While the rice cooks, melt ghee or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pistachios and almonds andtoast, stirring for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Turn off the heat.
  8. Add Dried Fruits: Drain the soaked raisins and add them to the skillet along with the sliced dried apricots. Toss everything together with the toasted nuts to combine the flavors and warm the fruit slightly.
  9. Serve: Transfer the cooked rice to a serving platter. Garnish with the warm nut and dried fruit mixture and optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a fresh color and flavor contrast.

Notes

  • Using chicken stock instead of water adds more depth, but water works fine for a vegetarian option if ghee is replaced with butter or oil.
  • Ghee gives a rich, nutty flavor but butter can be used as a substitute.
  • Be careful not to burn the caramelized sugar; watch it closely as it can go from amber to burnt quickly.
  • You can add chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a fresh herbal touch when serving.
  • This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/mediterranean-rice-pilaf-with-raisins-dried-apricots-and-toasted-nuts-recipe/