Fruited Rice

Transform your side dish game with this vibrant and aromatic Fruited Rice recipe! Perfectly fluffy basmati rice is infused with the warm, exotic flavors of cinnamon and cardamom, then studded with juicy dried apricots, golden raisins, and crunchy toasted almonds for a delightful texture. A touch of honey and a hint of orange zest lend a subtle sweetness, while the optional cilantro garnish adds a pop of freshness. This easy-to-make dish, ready in just 30 minutes, pairs beautifully with roasted meats, curries, or vegetable dishes, making it a versatile addition to your table. Whether served as a festive centerpiece or a weeknight upgrade, Fruited Rice is a flavorful, crowd-pleasing choice you’ll want to make again and again! Keywords: Fruited Rice, basmati rice recipe, dried fruit rice, cardamom rice, sweet rice dish, easy side dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup dried apricots
• 0.25 cup golden raisins
• 0.25 cup slivered almonds
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cardamom
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, prepare the fruits and nuts: Chop the dried apricots into small pieces and lightly toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.

Step 4

Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 5

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, ground cardamom, chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, and orange zest. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the fruits are slightly softened and aromatic.

Step 6

Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the fruit and spice mixture. Gently fold the rice to evenly distribute the fruits, spices, and flavors.

Step 7

Drizzle the honey over the rice and fold it in. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch more salt if desired.

Step 8

Remove the cinnamon stick, transfer the fruited rice to a serving platter, and sprinkle the toasted almonds on top.

Step 9

Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Step 10

Serve warm and enjoy your aromatic and flavorful Fruited Rice!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	819.3 grams (819.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	775

Total Fat 29.80g	38%
Saturated Fat 8.50g	43%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Sodium 1211mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate 121.60g	44%
Dietary Fiber 9.50g	34%
Total Sugars 53.50g
Protein 16.60g	33%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 191mg	15%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 873mg	19%

*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: 32.7%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 59.2%