Holiday Spiced Rice Pilaf Recipe

Introduction

The scent of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the house is an unmistakable sign that the holidays are here. Our Holiday Spiced Rice Pilaf captures the essence of these celebratory times, blending warm spices, sweet dried fruits, and crunchy nuts. This festive dish is perfect for family gatherings, adding a touch of warmth and elegance to your holiday table. Join us in creating this comforting, aromatic pilaf that will have your loved ones eagerly asking for seconds.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Skill Level: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves. Sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground allspice and cumin, cooking for an additional minute.
5. Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the spices and oil.
6. Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Add salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped apricots, and toasted slivered almonds. Cover and let the rice sit for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Helpful Tips

• For a nuttier flavor, try using ghee instead of olive oil.
• Feel free to substitute dried cherries or raisins for the cranberries and apricots.
• If you’re short on time, pre-toasted almonds can save you a step.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Complementary Dishes

This Holiday Spiced Rice Pilaf pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or lamb. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty vegetable stew or grilled vegetable platter. To complete the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette and a glass of sparkling apple cider.

Conclusion

We hope this Holiday Spiced Rice Pilaf brings joy and warmth to your festive gatherings. Share your beautiful creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag @Zynahz on Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome at Zynahz. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and follow us on social media for daily inspiration. Happy cooking!