Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Resting Time
10 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
361 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf Recipe
Description
This pilaf begins with slicing shallots and baking them with cinnamon stick pieces in olive oil until aromatic. Basmati rice is combined with golden raisins, dried cherries, pine nuts, and the herb-spice blend zaatar, then covered with hot chicken stock. Baking the mixture seals in flavors while providing a tender, fluffy texture.
The final dish is delicately spiced with cinnamon and zaatar, enhanced by the sweetness of dried fruits and the crunch of pine nuts. Fresh chopped parsley stirred in at the end adds brightness to the rich pilaf.
Ideal as a side dish to complement Middle Eastern or Mediterranean meals, it can add satisfying complexity and texture to the plate. Leftovers freeze well when cooled and stored airtight, and can be reheated with a bit of water to restore moisture.
Ingredients
- 4 large shallot
- 1 tick cinnamon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tbsp zaatar spice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ground
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock or water
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Trim and cut shallots into thin slices. Scatter on bottom of large casserole dish or Dutch oven. Break the cinnamon stick into two pieces and add to the pan. Drizzle the oil over and bake for 15 minutes.
- Bring the chicken stock or water to a boil in a saucepan, or heat in microwave for 3 minutes.
- Remove pan from oven. Add the raisins, cherries, pine nuts, zaatar, salt, pepper and rice. Carefully pour the hot chicken stock or water over, gently stirring to mix. Cover tightly with lid or foil to seal.
- Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand, covered for 10 minutes. Remove lid or foil, stir in chopped parsley, fluff the rice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container or resealable bag for freezing up to 2 months.
- To reheat frozen pilaf, thaw to room temperature, add a tablespoon of water, cover, and steam in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 361 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 361kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 51g | 17% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 3mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 343mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 260mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 422IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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