Brighten up your table with this irresistible Pineapple Pilaf, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors! This fragrant rice dish combines fluffy basmati rice with juicy sautéed pineapple, golden raisins, and crunchy toasted cashews, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves infuse the dish with warmth, while a touch of turmeric gives it a vibrant golden hue. Perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main, this Pineapple Pilaf is easy to make and ready in just 40 minutes. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it's as visually stunning as it is delicious—ideal for festive gatherings or weeknight dinners. Bring a tropical twist to your mealtime with this simple yet unforgettable recipe!
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter and oil over medium heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the spices release their aroma.
Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the turmeric powder and sauté briefly to combine.
Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot, stirring gently to coat the grains with the butter and spices.
Pour in the water, then add the salt and sugar. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
While the rice is cooking, in a separate pan, lightly sauté the diced pineapple in 1 teaspoon of oil for 2-3 minutes to enhance its sweetness.
Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Fold in the sautéed pineapple, raisins, and toasted cashews.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve warm as a side dish or on its own.
Calories |
1078 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.7 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 62 mg | 21% | |
| Sodium | 2476 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 154.2 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.8 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.3 g | ||
| Protein | 18.3 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 241 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 982 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.