Fruited Rice
Transform your side dish game with this vibrant and aromatic Fruited Rice recipe! Perfectly fluffy basmati rice is infused with the warm, exotic flavors of cinnamon and cardamom, then studded with juicy dried apricots, golden raisins, and crunchy toasted almonds for a delightful texture. A touch of honey and a hint of orange zest lend a subtle sweetness, while the optional cilantro garnish adds a pop of freshness. This easy-to-make dish, ready in just 30 minutes, pairs beautifully with roasted meats, curries, or vegetable dishes, making it a versatile addition to your table. Whether served as a festive centerpiece or a weeknight upgrade, Fruited Rice is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing choice you’ll want to make again and again! Keywords: Fruited Rice, basmati rice recipe, dried fruit rice, cardamom rice, sweet rice dish, easy side dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup dried apricots
- 0.25 cup golden raisins
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain.
In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, prepare the fruits and nuts: Chop the dried apricots into small pieces and lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, ground cardamom, chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, and orange zest. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the fruits are slightly softened and aromatic.
Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the fruit and spice mixture. Gently fold the rice to evenly distribute the fruits, spices, and flavors.
Drizzle the honey over the rice and fold it in. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch more salt if desired.
Remove the cinnamon stick, transfer the fruited rice to a serving platter, and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.
Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy your aromatic and flavorful Fruited Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
857 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.0 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.6 g | 43% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1003 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 144.1 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.7 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 65.4 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 223 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 5.0 mg | 28% | |
| Potassium | 1129 mg | 24% | |
*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.
