Go Back
–+ servings
Rice pilaf 0n a serving white platter.
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Mediterranean Rice Pilaf

Aromatic, fluffy with a hint of sweetness, this rice pilaf is a pleasure to the eye and a feast in your mouth.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Total Time55 mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle East
Diet: Halal
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 197kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar.
  • 1 cup onion diced.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • A dash of ground cloves.
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste.
  • 1 ½ cups jasmine rice
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons ghee.
  • 2 ¼ cup water or chicken stock.
  • 1 Tablespoon tomato paste.

For the nut mixture:

  • 1 Tablespoons ghee or butter.
  • ½ cup raisins.
  • ¼ cup dried apricot sliced.
  • ¼ cup pistachios.
  • ½ cup almonds.

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, soak raisins in some hot water for 15-20 minutes.
  • In a pan over medium heat, add sugar and keep stirring until it caramelizes and turns amber color.
  • Add diced onion and keep stirring for about 1 minutes.
  • Add cinnamon, black pepper and ground cloves, stirring together.
  • Add rice salt and ghee, stir everything well together.
  • Pour in liquid then add tomato paste, stir well to dissolve.
  • Bring to a boil uncovered.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20-25 minutes.

Toast the nuts:

  • In a skillet melt ghee, add pistachios and almonds stir for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted, turn heat off.
  • Drain raisins and add to the hot skillet along with the dried apricot and toss everything together.
  • Serve rice on a platter garnished with nut mixture and chopped parsley if desired.

Video

Notes

  • You can use any type of rice you like Basmati, short grain, brown just adjust the cooking liquid accordingly.
  • You can use any type of stock or even water. In fact I like this recipe more with water.
  • Do not freak out if the caramelize sugar sticks to the pan it will all come off when we add liquids.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 197kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 327mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 260IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg