Best 10 Basmati Rice Pilaf With Apricots Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our aromatic Basmati rice pilaf infused with the vibrant flavors of dried apricots, a delightful blend of nuts, and a hint of saffron. This delectable dish transports you to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, where fragrant spices dance on your palate.

Accompanying this delightful pilaf are three equally enticing recipes. Tantalize your taste buds with our flavorful apricot-stuffed chicken, a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors. For a vegetarian delight, immerse yourself in our hearty lentil and apricot soup, a comforting and wholesome meal. And to satisfy your sweet cravings, our apricot upside-down cake offers a burst of fruity goodness with a caramelized crunch.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH DRIED FRUITS AND ALMONDS



Basmati Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruits and Almonds image

This basmati rice pilaf is studded with dried fruit and almonds, and scented with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric.

Categories     Vegetables & Sides

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

1½ cups basmati rice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup finely chopped yellow onions, from one small onion
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, minced
2¼ cups water
1¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅓ cup dried fruit, such as currants, raisins or finely chopped dried apricots
¼ cup sliced or slivered almonds, toasted in a small dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 5 minutes

Steps:

  • Place the rice in a medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Using your hands, gently swish the grains to release any excess starch. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the rice in the bowl. Repeat four to five times, until the water runs almost clear. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the water from rice. Place the strainer over a bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring regularly, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Add the rice to the pot, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Off the heat, remove the lid and sprinkle the dried fruit over the rice (do not mix in). Place the lid over the pot and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss in the toasted almonds, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378, Fat 12g, Carbohydrate 60g, Protein 7g, SaturatedFat 6g, Sugar 2g, Fiber 2g, Sodium 740mg, Cholesterol 23mg

BASMATI RICE PILAF



Basmati Rice Pilaf image

This is a best-self version of a classic recipe with plenty of flavor and zero complicating factors. It's a versatile side dish that I hope you'll build into your repertoire.

Provided by Carolyn Gratzer Cope

Categories     Sides

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced small
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup (180 grams) basmati rice
2 1/2 cups (590 ml) chicken or vegetable stock (see note 1)
Fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper (see instructions)
Minced chives
Chopped almonds

Steps:

  • In a wide pan with a lid (like this one, this one, or this one), melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and just starting to brown, about five minutes. While onion cooks, rinse rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear and shake out any excess water.
  • Add garlic to pan and cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about a minute. Add rice and stir to coat with butter, then cook, stirring once or twice, for two minutes. Pour in stock and give it all a good stir. Bring to a boil over high heat. Then cover pan, lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook until broth is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Off the heat, place a clean kitchen towel between the pan and the lid to absorb excess steam and let pilaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle with chives and almonds if using and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 176 calories, Carbohydrate 26.4 grams carbohydrates, Fat 6.4 grams fat, Fiber 1.4 grams fiber, Protein 3.3 grams protein

RICE WITH PARSLEY, ALMONDS, AND APRICOTS



Rice with Parsley, Almonds, and Apricots image

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

1 cup skin-on almonds
1 tablespoon olive oil
Kosher salt
1 cup basmati rice
1 (3x1-inch) strip lemon zest
1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
2 cups chopped parsley
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

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.

SPICED BASMATI RICE PILAF



Spiced Basmati Rice Pilaf image

To wash or not to wash rice? In the case of basmati, no matter what, I always soak it. It cleans out any small particles and it also rids the rice of any starch on the grain. I do use the soaking water to cook the rice. This recipe is hypnotic and makes cooking such a simple ingredient easy. I leave the bay leaves and cinnamon in for rustic elegance. Remove them once cooked, if you want.

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups basmati rice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large white onion, peeled and finely diced
Kosher salt
3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed, black seeds removed and reserved, pods discarded
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cinnamon stick
2 bay leaves

Steps:

  • Prepare the rice: Soak the rice in 3 cups cold water for 30 minutes to remove the starch.
  • Cook the rice: Heat a medium saute pan over medium heat and add butter, onions, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook until translucent but not browned, 5 to 8 minutes. To the pan add cardamom seeds, cayenne, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaves. Stir, and toast until fragrant, 2 minutes. Then, add the rice plus soaking liquid to the pot. Add salt to taste. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Cover, turn off the heat, and let steam for another 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve.

BASMATI RICE PILAF



Basmati Rice Pilaf image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups cold water
2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds
3 cardamom pods, lightly crushed, black seeds reserved, pods discarded
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 cinnamon stick
12 black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 3 tablespoons, cut into slices, optional
1 large red onion, peeled and finely diced
Kosher salt

Steps:

  • To wash or not to wash rice? In the case of basmati, no matter what my preparation is, I always wash it. It cleans out any small particles and it also rids the rice of any starch on the grain. This starch makes the rice gummier when cooked.
  • Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
  • In a medium bowl, add the rice and 4 cups of cold water. Soak the rice for 1/2 hour.
  • In a small bowl, add the cumin seeds, cardamom, fennel seeds, cinnamon, black peppercorns, and bay leaves and stir to combine. Turn the mixture out onto a baking sheet and put it in the center of the oven to lightly toast the spices and awaken the flavors, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the spices to cool.
  • Heat a medium saute pan over medium heat and add the butter and the onion. Season with salt and cook until the onions are translucent but not brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the spices. Drain the rice but reserve the soaking water. Stir in the rice and cook until you hear the rice crackling, about 2 minutes. Gently stir in the reserved soaking water. Season with a generous portion of salt and bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat.
  • Cook the rice over medium-low heat, uncovered and undisturbed, for about 8 minutes. Take a fork (so as not to damage the rice) and flake a few grains off to taste for doneness. It may need to be cooked another 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow the rice to "rest" (as you would a roast beef) for 10 minutes before "forking" it gently into a serving bowl. Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter, if desired, and serve.

SAFFRON RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS AND ALMONDS



Saffron Rice Pilaf with Apricots and Almonds image

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

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
1 onion, chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground saffron
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken stock of canned broth
1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered (about 3 ounces)
1/4 cup dried currants
1/2 cup slivered almonds (about 2 ounces), toasted

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.

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS



Basmati Rice Pilaf With Apricots image

This rice takes on an exotic flare when laced with spices, dried fruits and nuts, from the food network's kitchen cookbook "Making it Easy."

Provided by Oolala

Categories     Lemon

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup dried apricot, chopped
2 slices lemon zest, wide strips
2 cups water, cold
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup basmati rice, uncooked, lightly rinsed and drained
fresh ground black pepper
1/3 cup mint leaf
1/4 cup pistachios, can use cashews, unsalted and toasted

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 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 teaspoons 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 the saucepan.
  • Meanwhile, toast the nuts and set aside.
  • Cook the rice for 10 minutes, set aside for 5 minutes undisturbed, then remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
  • Mound the pilaf on a serving dish and tear the mint over it and top with nuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 297.3, Fat 10.7, SaturatedFat 4.4, Cholesterol 15.3, Sodium 119.2, Carbohydrate 45.8, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 6.5, Protein 6

BASMATI RICE PILAF



Basmati Rice Pilaf image

Wonderful flavor and textured rice dish.

Provided by Carol Castellucci Miller

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 ½ cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ cup finely diced onion
1 bay leaf
1 cup uncooked basmati rice
salt to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Steps:

  • Heat chicken stock in a saucepan until boiling; keep hot until ready to use.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a 2 quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir onion and bay leaf in the hot oil until onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir basmati rice into onion mixture until rice is coated with oil.
  • Pour hot chicken stock into the rice mixture. Season with salt; stir.
  • Bring rice mixture to a boil; cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Continue simmering until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
  • Remove saucepan from heat and discard bay leaf. Add butter and fluff the rice with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 244.3 calories, Carbohydrate 40.4 g, Cholesterol 7.9 mg, Fat 6.9 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 4.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.5 g, Sodium 279.4 mg, Sugar 0.6 g

APRICOT ALMOND PILAF



Apricot Almond Pilaf image

A sumptuous but easy Persian-inspired dish. Rosewater can be found in Middle Eastern groceries and in many large supermarkets. The carrot, saffron, and apricots make for a beautiful gold color. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom along with the saffron, if desired.

Provided by JOHNTHEBEAR

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 1h

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 cup basmati rice
1 teaspoon salt
1 ⅞ cups water
¼ teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
1 tablespoon rose water
¼ cup dried apricots, diced
¼ cup slivered almonds

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir onion and carrot until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in basmati rice and salt; cook and stir until rice is slightly opaque, about 3 minutes.
  • Pour in water; stir to combine. Mix in saffron threads, rose water, apricots, and almonds; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice has absorbed the liquid, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow pilaf to stand covered for 10 more minutes. Stir before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 289 calories, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fat 9.9 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 5.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.1 g, Sodium 636.5 mg, Sugar 6.1 g

CURRIED BASMATI RICE AND APPLE PILAF



Curried Basmati Rice and Apple Pilaf image

Categories     Fruit     Rice     Side     Sauté     Vegetarian     Apple     Almond     Curry     Fall     Healthy     Vegan     Simmer     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup basmati rice*
1 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apple, peeled, cored, chopped
1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 1/4 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups water
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
*Available at Indian markets and some supermarkets nationwide.

Steps:

  • Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Stir in rice, apple, apricots, cinnamon stick, ginger, curry powder and salt. Add 2 cups water and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat. Season to taste with pepper and additional salt, if desired. Transfer pilaf to bowl. Sprinkle with almonds and serve.

Tips:

  • For the best results, use high-quality basmati rice. It has a long, slender grain that cooks up fluffy and separate.
  • Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. This will remove the starch and help prevent the rice from sticking together.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to cook the rice. This will help distribute the heat evenly and prevent the rice from burning.
  • When adding the rice to the pot, be sure to spread it out in an even layer. This will help it cook evenly.
  • Do not stir the rice while it is cooking. Stirring can break up the grains and make the rice mushy.
  • Once the rice is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This will help the rice absorb all of the flavors.
  • Serve the rice immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Basmati rice pilaf with apricots is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover rice, and it can be served as a main course or a side dish. With its fragrant aroma and nutty flavor, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.

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