Fruit and Nut Rice Pilaf Recipe
This vibrant and delicious Fruit and Nut Rice Pilaf is a perfect combination of wholesome basmati rice, sweet raisins, crunchy pine nuts, and fresh herbs. It’s a quick and easy dish that makes for an ideal side or light main course, ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe is vegan, low in cholesterol, and offers a healthy, flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Pine nuts | 1/2 cup |
| Raisins | 2 cups |
| Scallions | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh cilantro | 3 tbsp |
| Water | 3 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238 |
| Fat Content | 3.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 0.4 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 7.8 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 48.4 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 9.6 g |
| Protein Content | 4.7 g |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Instructions
-
Toast the Pine Nuts
Start by heating a medium to large saucepan over low heat. Add the pine nuts to the pan and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Once toasted, remove them from the pan and set them aside. -
Cook the Rice
In the same pan, add 3 cups of water, the basmati rice, raisins, and a pinch of salt and pepper (S&P). Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. -
Add Fresh Ingredients
After the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and uncover it. Stir in the chopped scallions and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. Allow the rice to sit for 5 minutes, letting the ingredients blend. -
Serve and Garnish
Just before serving, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the rice pilaf. The nuts add a crunchy, rich texture that complements the sweetness of the raisins and the freshness of the herbs.
This dish is perfect for a light, flavorful meal or as a side dish for any occasion. It’s simple yet full of vibrant flavors that are sure to impress anyone at the table!
Recipe Notes:
- For extra flavor, you can add a touch of lemon juice or zest before serving.
- This pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or grilled tofu for a complete vegan meal.
Servings: 6
Yield: Approximately 6 servings
