Rice Pilaf with Cinnamon and Golden Raisins
Transform your dinner table with the warm, fragrant flavors of Rice Pilaf with Cinnamon and Golden Raisins—a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This elegant side dish features fluffy basmati rice infused with aromatic cinnamon and a hint of cumin, blended with plump golden raisins for a touch of natural sweetness. Toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, while a sauté of onion and garlic layers depth into every bite. Cooked in vegetable or chicken broth, this dish is irresistibly flavorful yet easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time. Ideal as a side for roasted meats or vegetarian mains, it’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing addition to any meal. Garnish with parsley for a fresh finish, and serve warm for the ultimate comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 0.5 cup Golden raisins
- 0.25 cup Sliced almonds (or slivered), toasted
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping together.
Heat olive oil and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Add the basmati rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with the oil and butter mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the cinnamon stick, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and golden raisins to the rice, stirring to combine.
Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat but keep the lid on. Let the rice sit undisturbed for another 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking.
Remove the lid, discard the cinnamon stick, and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
Fold in the toasted almonds for added crunch. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the rice pilaf to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serve warm as a side dish or a lighter main course with your favorite protein.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
317 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 14.0 g | 18% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 8 mg | 3% | |
| Sodium | 1018 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.3 g | ||
| Protein | 5.5 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 387 mg | 8% | |
*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.
