Spiced rice pilaf

Spiced Rice Pilaf Recipe from India | Ingredients include Basmati Rice, Cinnamon, Almonds & Pine Nuts

Region / culture: India | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Spiced rice pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for serving as a side dish or a main course. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of brown basmati rice with warm spices like cloves and cinnamon, along with the sweetness of raisins and the crunch of almonds or pine nuts.

History

Rice pilaf has been a popular dish in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Persia, where rice was a staple food. The addition of spices and other ingredients to rice pilaf was a way to enhance the flavor and make the dish more interesting.

Ingredients

1 cup brown basmati rice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
4 whole cloves
0.13 tsp salt
2 cups chicken broth
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp raisins
1 tbsp blanched slivered almonds
-=or=-
1 tbsp pine nuts

How to prepare

Soak the rice for 2 hours to shorten the cooking time. Rinse and drain.
In a large non-stick saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and sauté the onion and garlic until tender, for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the cloves and cook for 1 minute.
Add the rice and stir to coat.
Add salt, broth, and the cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.
Discard the cinnamon stick.
Heat 1 tsp of oil, add the raisins and almonds, and warm them.
Mix the raisins and almonds with the rice and serve.
Food exchanges per serving: 2 starch/bread exchanges + 1 fat exchange; calories: 176; cho: omg; car: 31g; pro: 3g; sod: 41 mg; fat: 5 g

Variations

Add diced vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas for added color and nutrition.
Use different spices like cumin, turmeric, or cardamom for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the rice before cooking can help shorten the cooking time and improve the texture of the rice.

- Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding the rice helps to develop the flavors in the dish.

- Discarding the cinnamon stick before serving ensures that the dish is not overwhelmed by the flavor of the spice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spiced rice pilaf as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb, or as a main course with a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding the rice helps to develop the flavors in the dish.

- Simmering the rice in broth ensures that it absorbs all the flavors of the spices and other ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white basmati rice instead of brown basmati rice for a lighter texture.

- Substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the raisins for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The spiced rice pilaf can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the spiced rice pilaf with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. - Serve the dish in individual bowls or on a platter garnished with extra nuts and raisins.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spiced rice pilaf with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

176 per serving

Carbohydrates

31g per serving

Fats

- Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

- Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds or pine nuts) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

This spiced rice pilaf is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of carbohydrates and provides a moderate amount of protein.

Summary

Spiced rice pilaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for serving as a side dish or a main course. This recipe combines the flavors of brown basmati rice, warm spices, nuts, and raisins for a dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your favorite protein and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for spiced rice pilaf. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Anna at her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Anna was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day she had prepared a feast that left my taste buds tingling with delight.

As we sat down to eat, Anna served up a heaping helping of her famous spiced rice pilaf. The aroma that wafted up from the dish was intoxicating, a tantalizing blend of fragrant spices and savory ingredients that made my mouth water. I took my first bite, and instantly I was hooked.

"Anna, this is absolutely incredible!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide with delight. "How did you come up with this recipe?"

Anna smiled and leaned back in her chair, a twinkle in her eye. "Oh, this recipe has been passed down through generations in my family," she said. "It's a traditional dish that we make for special occasions, and I've put my own twist on it over the years."

I begged Anna to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She led me into her cozy kitchen and began to show me the steps, guiding me through each ingredient and technique with patience and skill. I watched in awe as she effortlessly transformed simple rice and spices into a dish that was bursting with flavor and complexity.

As I helped Anna cook, I listened to her stories about her family and the traditions that had shaped her culinary expertise. She told me about her grandmother, a skilled cook who had taught her the art of blending spices and coaxing out the natural flavors of each ingredient. I could see the love and respect she had for her family's culinary heritage, and I felt honored to be a part of it.

After several hours of cooking and chatting, the spiced rice pilaf was finally ready. Anna scooped it into a serving bowl and placed it on the table, the fragrant steam rising up in a tantalizing cloud. I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and textures that danced across my palate. It was a dish unlike any I had ever tasted, a symphony of spices and aromas that spoke of tradition and love.

From that day on, spiced rice pilaf became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, delighting my guests with its exotic flavors and comforting warmth. Each time I cooked the dish, I thought of Anna and the special bond we shared over that simple but extraordinary recipe.

Years passed, and my love for spiced rice pilaf only grew stronger. I experimented with different variations, adding my own twists and turns to the traditional recipe. I shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the culinary tradition that Anna had so generously shared with me.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, stirring a pot of fragrant rice and spices, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the gift that Anna gave me so many years ago. The recipe for spiced rice pilaf is more than just a dish – it's a connection to the past, a reminder of the love and heritage that have shaped me into the cook I am today.

And so, as I dish up a generous portion of spiced rice pilaf for my family to enjoy, I say a silent thank you to Anna and all those who came before her. Their culinary wisdom and generosity have enriched my life in ways that words cannot express. And for that, I will always be grateful.