Moroccan Pilaf
Transport your taste buds to North Africa with this vibrant Moroccan Pilaf, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is simmered in vegetable broth and studded with sweet bursts of dried apricots and raisins, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet. Slivered almonds add a satisfying crunch, while fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is both easy and elegant, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it as a standout side dish or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian main course. This Moroccan Pilaf is a true celebration of color, texture, and spice—a must-try for lovers of global cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1.5 cups long-grain basmati rice
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 0.5 cup raisins
- 0.5 cup slivered almonds
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and paprika, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the basmati rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains in the spices and oil.
Pour in the vegetable broth, and add the chopped dried apricots, raisins, salt, and black pepper.
Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
Simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the slivered almonds and chopped cilantro.
Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro or almonds if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
632 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 17.4 g | 22% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 920 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.2 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 29.1 g | ||
| Protein | 14.2 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 127 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 996 mg | 21% | |
*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.
