Go Back
+ servings
Holiday Rice Pilaf

Irresistible Holiday Rice Pilaf That Will Wow Your Guests

This Holiday Rice Pilaf features fluffy basmati rice and spices, perfect for elevating any festive gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pilaf
  • 1 cup Basmati Rice Rinse thoroughly.
  • 3 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth Use vegetable broth for vegetarian.
  • 1 medium Chopped Onion Enhances flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with butter.
  • ½ cup Slivered Almonds Can substitute with pistachios.
  • ½ cup Dried Cranberries Can substitute with dried apricots.
For the Spices
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Highly recommended.
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Turmeric Skip if preferred.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Can substitute with mint.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Fine-Mesh Strainer

Method
 

Directions
  1. Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear. Let it drain.
  2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the slivered almonds, toasting them lightly for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  4. Add the drained rice along with ground cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric. Season with salt and pepper and toast the rice for about 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in the broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice and fold in the dried cranberries.
  7. Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite nuts or swap cranberries for dried apricots for additional flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!