Golden Apricot Almond Pilaf with Spices

Golden Pilaf with Apricots, Raisins, and Almonds 🍚✨

Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary journey with this Golden Pilaf recipe, which combines the sweetness of apricots and raisins with the crunch of almonds and the aromatic touch of spices. This recipe, inspired by a beloved variation from the back of a Goya rice box, promises a rich and flavorful dish, perfect for any meal. I particularly enjoy this version due to the unique flavor imparted by Goya Sazon seasoning. For those with a preference, Zante currants can be substituted for raisins to add a delightful twist.

🍴 Ingredients 🍴

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
• Cinnamon sticks: 3/4 inch each
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Ground cardamom: 1 teaspoon
• Ground nutmeg: 1/2 teaspoon
• Basmati rice: 1/2 cup
• Water: 1 1/2 cups
• Milk: 1/2 cup
• Seedless raisins: 1/2 cup (or Zante currants, if preferred)
• Dried apricots: 1 cup, chopped
• Almonds: 2 1/2 tablespoons, slivered and toasted

🕰 Timings 🕰

🌟 Nutritional Information 🌟

• Calories: 388.5 kcal
• Fat: 13.2 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.9 g
• Cholesterol: 2.9 mg
• Sodium: 409.4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 61.3 g
• Fiber: 4.6 g
• Sugar: 11.4 g
• Protein: 8.6 g
• Servings: 6

🍽 Instructions 🍽

1. Brown the Almonds:

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   • Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add the slivered almonds and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown.
   • Remove the almonds from the saucepan and set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

2. Sauté the Onions:

   • In the same saucepan, add the finely chopped onions.
   • Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent.

3. Add the Spices:

   • Stir in the cinnamon sticks, salt, ground cardamom, and ground nutmeg.
   • Cook for an additional minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrant aromas.

4. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the basmati rice to the saucepan, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to coat the rice with the spices and oil.

5. Add Liquids and Dried Fruits:

   • Pour in the water and milk, stirring to combine.
   • Add the seedless raisins (or Zante currants) and chopped dried apricots.

6. Simmer the Pilaf:

   • Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Once boiling, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

7. Rest and Fluff:

   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
   • Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the pilaf with the reserved toasted almonds.
   • Serve warm and enjoy the delightful blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.

🌿 Tips and Variations 🌿

• Substitute for Raisins: If raisins aren’t to your liking, feel free to use Zante currants, dried cranberries, or even chopped dates for a different sweet element.
• Vegan Option: Replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nut Allergies: If you’re serving this dish to someone with nut allergies, you can omit the almonds or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
• Additional Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of orange juice or zest while cooking the rice.

🍂 Perfect for Any Occasion 🍂

This Golden Pilaf with Apricots, Raisins, and Almonds is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful dish to present at any gathering. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it an ideal side dish for festive meals, potlucks, or even a special family dinner. The combination of sweet dried fruits with aromatic spices and crunchy almonds creates a harmonious and memorable dish that will surely become a favorite in your household.

Enjoy this delightful pilaf, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family! Happy cooking! 🍴👩‍🍳✨