Nutty Basmati Pilaf

Elevate your meal with the irresistible flavors of Nutty Basmati Pilaf, a fragrant and colorful rice dish loaded with warm spices, vibrant vegetables, and a delightful mix of crunchy nuts and sweet golden raisins. This easy-to-make recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with aromatic cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, creating a beautifully spiced base that's perfect as a side dish or a light vegetarian main. Toasted almonds, cashews, and pistachios add a satisfying crunch, while fresh parsley brings a burst of freshness to every bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile pilaf pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, curries, or a simple green salad. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick weeknight upgrade, this Nutty Basmati Pilaf is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and textures.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 small Carrot, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 0.5 cup Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios), roughly chopped
• 0.25 cup Golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the chopped onion and carrot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens slightly.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and ground turmeric. Sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Add the drained basmati rice to the saucepan and stir gently to coat the grains in the spices and oil.

Step 7

Pour in 3 cups of water, then add the salt and black pepper. Stir lightly and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 9

Meanwhile, toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.

Step 10

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the lid and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf.

Step 12

Fold in the toasted nuts, golden raisins, and fresh parsley. Mix gently to combine.

Step 13

Serve the Nutty Basmati Pilaf warm as a flavorful side or a light main dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1340.7 grams (1340.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1335

Total Fat 76.70g	98%
Saturated Fat 19.50g	98%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.00g
Cholesterol 66mg	22%
Sodium 2579mg	112%
Total Carbohydrate 148.70g	54%
Dietary Fiber 13.40g	48%
Total Sugars 38.30g
Protein 28.40g	57%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 309mg	24%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 1331mg	28%

*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: 49.4%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 42.5%