Golden Rice Pilaf
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
378 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Golden Rice Pilaf
Description
This pilaf begins by rinsing and draining basmati rice multiple times to ensure clarity and prevent clumping during cooking. Butter is melted over medium-low heat, followed by cooking finely chopped yellow onion until softened but not browned, creating a flavorful base. Ground cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and minced garlic are then added and cooked briefly to release their aromas.
The rinsed rice is stirred into the spiced butter mixture and toasted for several minutes to coat each grain and deepen flavor. Water, salt, and freshly ground black pepper are added, and the mixture is brought to a boil before simmering covered on low heat until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice tender. Off the heat, dried fruit is sprinkled over the rice, and the pot is covered again to allow the fruit to soften gently without breaking apart.
Toasted sliced or slivered almonds, browned beforehand in a dry skillet until golden, are mixed in or used as a garnish, lending a crunchy texture and nutty taste that complements the subtle sweet and savory notes brought by the spices and dried fruit. This pilaf pairs well with various main dishes or can be served as a side to add a colorful, fragrant grain option to a meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups basmati rice
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- ½ cup onion from one small onion, yellow; finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon cumin ground
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric ground
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2¼ cups water
- 1¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- dried fruit such as currants, raisins or finely chopped dried apricots, ⅓ cup
- ¼ cup almonds toasted in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes, sliced or slivered
Instructions
- Place the rice in a medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches (5 cm). Using your hands, gently swish the grains to release any excess starch. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the rice in the bowl. Repeat four to five times, until the water runs almost clear. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the water from rice. Place the strainer over a bowl and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring regularly, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Add the rice to the pot, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Off the heat, remove the lid and sprinkle the dried fruit over the rice (do not mix in). Place the lid over the pot and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss in the toasted almonds, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 378 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 378kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 23mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 740mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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