Sure, let’s delve into the enticing world of Spiced Rice Pilaf, a delightful dish brimming with the aromatic flavors of the Middle East and India. 🍚✨
Spiced Rice Pilaf Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup chicken broth (or substitute with vegetable broth)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté Onion: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender and translucent.
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Toast Rice and Spices: Stir in the long grain rice, ground cardamom, paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, ground cumin, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, until the rice begins to turn golden and the spices are fragrant.
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Add Liquid: Pour in the vegetable broth and chicken broth (or additional vegetable broth) along with the water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. It’s crucial not to lift the lid during this time to ensure perfectly cooked rice.
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Rest: After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered and undisturbed, for an additional 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become tender.
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Add Final Ingredients: After the resting period, uncover the saucepan and add the chopped fresh spinach, golden raisins, and almonds. Gently stir the pilaf, fluffing the rice with a fork to incorporate the ingredients evenly.
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Optional Fragrance: For an extra touch of aroma, sprinkle the pilaf with rose water and fluff it a little more with a fork to distribute the fragrance throughout the dish.
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Serve: Your Spiced Rice Pilaf is now ready to serve! This flavorful dish pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine, but it also complements a wide range of main courses. Enjoy the exotic blend of spices and textures in every forkful.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 289.6
- Fat: 8.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 11.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 48.6g
- Fiber: 2.7g
- Sugar: 6.7g
- Protein: 6g
Notes:
- Rose Water: While rose water is listed as an optional ingredient, it adds a subtle floral fragrance to the pilaf. You can find rose water in Indian/Pakistani grocery stores or some pharmacies.
- Broth Options: For a fully vegetarian or vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to your taste preferences. You can adjust the spice levels, add different vegetables or nuts, or even incorporate protein sources like tofu or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Prepare to be transported to distant lands with each mouthful of this aromatic and flavorful Spiced Rice Pilaf!
