Fragrant Pilaf

Transport your taste buds with this aromatic Fragrant Pilaf, a vibrant dish brimming with warming spices and subtle sweetness. Long-grain basmati rice is infused with the intoxicating flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, creating a savory base enhanced by golden turmeric and earthy cumin. Tender sautéed onions, garlic, and carrots lend depth, while bursts of plump raisins and the crunch of toasted almonds add delightful texture and complexity. Simmered in rich chicken or vegetable broth, this pilaf is effortlessly fluffy and irresistibly flavorful. Perfect as a side or show-stopping centerpiece, it’s garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Quick to prepare, yet packed with layers of fragrance and taste, this recipe is ideal for dinners, celebrations, or meal-prep goals!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter or ghee
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 stick Cinnamon stick
• 4 whole Cloves
• 3 pods Cardamom pods
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.5 cup Raisins
• 0.5 cup Toasted almonds, slivered
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water multiple times until the water runs clear. Then soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrot, and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to coat the spices in the oil mixture.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the spices toast for 1 minute.

Step 7

Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the rice is well coated with the spice mixture.

Step 8

Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir once to distribute everything evenly, then reduce the heat to low.

Step 9

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the broth is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and let the pilaf sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam.

Step 11

Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the raisins and toasted almonds.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy warm!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1793.6 grams (1793.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1687

Total Fat 82.40g	106%
Saturated Fat 27.40g	137%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 93mg	31%
Sodium 5903mg	257%
Total Carbohydrate 215.20g	78%
Dietary Fiber 21.50g	77%
Total Sugars 65.50g
Protein 39.50g	79%

Vitamin D 1IU	6%
Calcium 489mg	38%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 2002mg	43%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.1%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 48.9%