Mid-East Pilaf

Mid-East Pilaf Recipe from Arabia with Cashews, Raisins, and Dried Apricots

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mid-East Pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines rice with a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. This dish is a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings, as it is both delicious and visually appealing.

History

Pilaf, also known as pilau or pilav, is a dish that originated in the Middle East and Central Asia. It is believed to have been introduced to the region by the Persians, who spread the dish throughout the Middle East and beyond. Pilaf has since become a staple in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, with each region adding its own unique twist to the dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tbsp brown sugar
0.67 cup cashew bits or halves
0.33 cup raisins
3 cups hot cooked rice
1 cup chopped dried apricots
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp turmeric
0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
0.13 tsp cardamom
0.13 tsp ground cloves
0.33 cup apple juice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion with brown sugar for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion is golden brown.
Add cashews and raisins; sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the nuts begin to brown and the raisins plump.
Add rice, apricots, salt, cinnamon, turmeric, pepper, cardamom, and cloves.
Stir in apple juice. Heat thoroughly and serve.

Variations

Add diced chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Substitute dried cranberries or chopped dates for the raisins.
Use quinoa or couscous instead of rice for a different twist on the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use hot cooked rice for this recipe to ensure that the flavors are well incorporated.

- Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch.

- Adjust the spices to suit your taste preferences - feel free to add more or less of any spice to customize the dish to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Mid-East Pilaf as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or lamb. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful pilaf is to sauté the onions and spices before adding the rice. This helps to release the aromas and flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a more fragrant and delicious dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apple juice on hand, you can use orange juice or vegetable broth as a substitute. You can also swap out the dried apricots for dried figs or prunes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pilaf ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store the cooked pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the pilaf with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the dish in a decorative serving bowl for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Mid-East Pilaf with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving the dish with a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pilaf in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 45g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 15g

Fats

Total Fat: 7g

Saturated Fat: 1g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 5g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 3%

Iron: 8%

Vitamin C: 2%

Vitamin A: 6%

Alergens

Contains nuts (cashews)

Summary

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. It also provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Mid-East Pilaf is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. With a combination of rice, dried fruits, nuts, and spices, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of the Middle East with this flavorful and satisfying pilaf recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Mid-East Pilaf. It was many years ago, during a trip to Egypt with my husband. We had decided to explore the ancient land of the pharaohs and experience the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine that the Middle East had to offer.

One evening, we found ourselves wandering through the bustling streets of Cairo, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a city that never seemed to sleep. As we passed by a small, unassuming restaurant, the tantalizing aroma of spices and herbs wafted towards us, drawing us in like a moth to a flame.

Inside, we were greeted by the warm smile of the chef, a kindly old man with a twinkle in his eye. He beckoned us to sit at a table near the kitchen, where we could watch him work his magic. As he bustled about, chopping vegetables and stirring pots, the fragrant scent of cumin, coriander, and saffron filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation.

I couldn't help but ask the chef about the dish he was preparing, a fragrant and colorful pilaf that seemed to be bursting with flavor. With a chuckle, he explained that it was a traditional Mid-Eastern recipe, passed down through generations of his family. Intrigued, I begged him to share the recipe with me, promising to treasure it like a precious gem.

The chef smiled and nodded, gesturing for me to come closer. As he whispered the ingredients and instructions in my ear, I felt like I was being initiated into a secret society, privy to ancient culinary knowledge that had been handed down through the ages. I listened intently, committing every detail to memory, determined to recreate this exotic dish in my own kitchen back home.

After our meal, my husband and I bid farewell to the chef and returned to our hotel, where I immediately set to work trying to replicate the flavors of the Mid-East Pilaf. I rummaged through the local markets, searching for the freshest ingredients and spices, determined to do justice to the chef's recipe.

As I chopped and sautéed, stirred and simmered, the kitchen filled with the heady aroma of spices and herbs, transporting me back to the bustling streets of Cairo. I could almost hear the sounds of the market vendors haggling and the call to prayer echoing through the air, as I stirred the fragrant pilaf with care and reverence.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived as I scooped a spoonful of the pilaf onto my plate and took a tentative bite. The flavors exploded on my tongue, a symphony of earthy, spicy, and aromatic notes that danced across my palate in perfect harmony. I closed my eyes, savoring every mouthful, feeling a sense of accomplishment and connection to a distant land and its rich culinary heritage.

From that day on, Mid-East Pilaf became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that never failed to impress and delight. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the story of how I had learned it from a kind old chef in Cairo, who had opened my eyes to the wonders of Mid-Eastern cuisine.

As I look back on that fateful day in Egypt, I am filled with gratitude for the serendipitous encounter that led me to discover this delicious recipe. It serves as a reminder of the power of food to connect us to different cultures and traditions, to evoke memories and emotions, and to bring joy and nourishment to our lives.

And so, whenever I cook Mid-East Pilaf in my kitchen, I am transported back to that magical evening in Cairo, where a simple meal became a feast for the senses and a cherished memory that I will carry with me always.