Rice Pilaf African

Infused with vibrant spices and heartwarming flavors, Rice Pilaf African is a colorful, aromatic dish that will elevate any meal. Featuring tender basmati rice, sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger, this recipe is layered with the richness of turmeric, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon. Diced carrots, red bell peppers, and naturally sweet raisins add a delightful texture, while fresh cilantro and toasted slivered almonds provide an irresistible finishing touch. Cooked in flavorful vegetable broth, this one-pot dish is not only simple to make but also beautifully versatile, perfect as a show-stopping side dish or a standalone vegetarian main course. Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy the irresistible blend of spice, sweetness, and crunch that makes this African-inspired rice pilaf truly unforgettable!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 medium Carrot, diced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 stick Cinnamon stick
• 0.5 cups Raisins
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.25 cup Toasted almonds, slivered

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Set aside to drain in a fine-mesh strainer.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the tomato paste, diced carrot, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and the cinnamon stick. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 7

Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to coat each grain with the spice mixture.

Step 8

Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 9

Once the rice starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 10

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 11

Remove the cinnamon stick and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the raisins.

Step 12

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted slivered almonds before serving.

Step 13

Serve warm as a side dish or as a light main course accompanied by a salad or grilled meat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1856.3 grams (1856.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1633

Total Fat 52.00g	67%
Saturated Fat 7.10g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 19.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4696mg	204%
Total Carbohydrate 265.30g	96%
Dietary Fiber 30.70g	110%
Total Sugars 82.00g
Protein 45.80g	92%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 453mg	35%
Iron 19mg	107%
Potassium 3649mg	78%

*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: 27.3%

Protein: 10.7%

Carbs: 62.0%