Best Currant And Almond Pilaf Recipes

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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

QUINOA ALMOND PILAF



Quinoa Almond Pilaf image

High-protein side dish with plenty of flavor and crunch. Rinsing the quinoa three times will help to eliminate any bitterness.

Provided by Ann Kosa

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan

Time 45m

Yield 3

Number Of Ingredients 16

½ cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
1 cup cold water
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 celery rib, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
8 almonds, coarsely chopped
1 small tomato, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons raisins
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch coarse sea salt

Steps:

  • Combine quinoa, cold water, and salt in a saucepan; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, place a cover on the saucepan, and cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir celery, onion, carrot, and garlic in the hot oil until the onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir almonds, tomato, raisins, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano into the vegetable mixture; cook and stir 1 minute more.
  • Fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir into the mixture in the skillet; cook and stir until evenly mixed and hot, about 30 seconds.
  • Divide between 3 plates; sprinkle the top of each portion with a scattering of a few coarse sea salt granules for a surprising crunch of salty goodness.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 303.1 calories, Carbohydrate 33 g, Fat 17.1 g, Fiber 5.9 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 506 mg, Sugar 8.7 g

SAFFRON RICE PILAF



Saffron Rice Pilaf image

The color yellow symbolized joy for medieval Arabs, who were cultivating saffron in Spain by 960 c.e. Sephardic Jews were equally inspired by the coveted spice, and golden rice became a holiday and Sabbath tradition. This version, made with basmati rice, is punctuated by caramelized onion, currants, and fried almonds.

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Onion     Side     Fry     Vegetarian     Dried Fruit     Almond     Saffron     Kosher     Vegan     Potluck     Gourmet     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

3/4 teaspoon crumbled saffron threads
2 tablespoons boiling-hot water
1/3 cup olive oil
1 cup slivered almonds (4 ounces)
1 very large onion, chopped (3 to 4 cups)
3 cups white basmati rice (19 ounces)
4 1/2 cups water
1 cup dried currants (4 ounces)

Steps:

  • Soften saffron in hot water (2 tablespoons) in a small bowl.
  • Heat oil in a 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Fry almonds, stirring frequently, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.
  • Fry onion in oil remaining in pot, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer half of onion to a bowl.
  • Add rice to onion in pot and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add water (4 1/2 cups), saffron mixture, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, until water is absorbed and rice is tender, 18 to 20 minutes. Let rice stand, covered, off heat 5 minutes.
  • While rice stands, stir almonds and currants into bowl with onion.
  • Fluff rice with a fork and serve with almond mixture spooned on top.

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