Cherry Almond Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this irresistible Cherry Almond Pilaf, a delightful blend of nutty, sweet, and aromatic flavors. This recipe pairs fluffy long-grain white rice with plump, tangy dried cherries and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, all accented by warm spices like cinnamon and allspice. Cooked in savory vegetable broth and enriched with sautéed onions and garlic, this pilaf achieves the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or as an elegant side for festive gatherings. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness, and serve warm to truly savor its comforting flavors. Perfect for those looking for a unique, crowd-pleasing rice dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains in butter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice starts to toast lightly.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the dried cherries, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tightly fitting lid.
Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to allow the rice to steam properly.
Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork and stir in the toasted almonds.
Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
471 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.1 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.0 g | 25% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 531 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 62.8 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.7 g | ||
| Protein | 10.3 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 120 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 624 mg | 13% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
