0 from 516 votes
Golden Rice Pilaf
Fluffy basmati rice, spices, and a touch of sweetness and nuttiness make this rice pilaf a delicious, standout side.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 378 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Middle Eastern
Ingredients
- 1½ cups basmati rice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onions (from one small onion)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2¼ cups water
- 1¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup dried fruit, such as currants, raisins or finely chopped dried apricots
- ¼ cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes
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.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 378
% 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.