Nutty Basmati Pilaf
Elevate your meal with the irresistible flavors of Nutty Basmati Pilaf, a fragrant and colorful rice dish loaded with warm spices, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful mix of crunchy nuts and sweet golden raisins. This easy-to-make recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with aromatic cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, creating a beautifully spiced base that's perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main. Toasted almonds, cashews, and pistachios add a satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley brings a burst of freshness to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile pilaf pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, curries, or a simple green salad. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight upgrade, this Nutty Basmati Pilaf is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 small Carrot, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 piece Cinnamon stick
- 1 piece Bay leaf
- 0.5 cup Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), roughly chopped
- 0.25 cup Golden raisins
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens slightly.
Add the minced garlic and ground turmeric. Sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring to combine.
Add the drained basmati rice to the saucepan and stir gently to coat the grains in the spices and oil.
Pour in 3 cups of water, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir lightly and bring the mixture to a boil.
As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
Meanwhile, toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf.
Fold in the toasted nuts, golden raisins, and fresh parsley. Mix gently to combine.
Serve the Nutty Basmati Pilaf warm as a flavorful side or a light main dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
345 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 19.1 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g | 26% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 16 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 550 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.2 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.5 g | ||
| Protein | 6.5 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 85 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 351 mg | 7% | |
*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.
