Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East with our delectable Apricot Almond Pilaf, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This classic dish, also known as zereshk polo, is a delightful combination of fluffy basmati rice, succulent dried apricots, crunchy almonds, and aromatic saffron, creating a vibrant and flavorful experience. Accompany your pilaf with a medley of mouthwatering side dishes, including a refreshing Cucumber Yogurt Salad, a zesty Lemon Tahini Sauce, and a flavorful Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken. These accompaniments will elevate your dining experience, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
RICE WITH PARSLEY, ALMONDS, AND APRICOTS
Steaming the apricots over the rice while it rests softens them just enough.
Provided by Mina Stone
Categories Bon Appétit Rice Side Almond Lemon Dried Fruit Apricot Thanksgiving Parsley
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 300°F. Toss almonds with oil on a small rimmed baking sheet; season with salt. Roast, tossing occasionally, until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Let cool, then chop.
- Meanwhile, rinse rice in several changes of water until water runs clear. Bring rice, lemon zest, and 1 1/2 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan; season with salt. Reduce heat, cover pan, and simmer until rice is tender, 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat, uncover, and scatter apricots over rice. Cover; let sit 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, then mix in almonds, parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS
Here's to the humble chicken breast: No more dowdy sides for you. Rice takes on exotic flare when laced with spices, dried fruits, and nuts.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories side-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Put the apricots and lemon zest in the 2 cups of cold water. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the garam masala, and toast, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the water along with the apricots, lemon zest, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, wrap a clean dish towel around the saucepan lid, and cover saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes, set aside for 5 minutes undisturbed, then remove lid and fluff with a fork. Mound the pilaf on a serving platter or in a shallow bowl, tear the mint over, and top with the nuts.
- Game Plan: Toast the nuts while the rice cooks.
SAFFRON RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS AND ALMONDS
Categories Rice Side Quick & Easy Low/No Sugar Apricot Almond Saffron Bon Appétit Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes about 7 cups
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion, ground saffron and cloves and saut&5 minutes. Add rice and stir to coat grains. Mix in chicken stock, dried apricots and currants. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff rice with fork. Add slivered almonds and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl and serve.
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh, flavorful ingredients will make a big difference in the final dish.
- Toast the almonds before adding them to the pilaf. This will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch.
- Don't overcook the rice. It should be tender but still have a slight bite to it.
- Serve the pilaf immediately. This is when it is at its best, with the rice and almonds still warm and fluffy.
Conclusion:
Apricot Almond Pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish which is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With its sweet and savory flavors, Apricot Almond Pilaf is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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