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Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit and Nuts

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Perfect Rice Pilaf with Nuts & Dried Fruit

This fragrant rice pilaf with fruit and nuts is the perfect dish to dress a dinner table. Jeweled with almond, cashews, raisins, apricots and lightly flavored with aromatic spices of cinnamon and cardamom. Serve it on its own or alongside other meat dishes for a festive flare. This simple and easy rice takes only 20 minutes to cook.

A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowl
Homemade Pilaf, Pulao Rice, Rice with Fruit and Nuts, Jeweled Rice, vegetable rice pilaf

If you have ever eaten at an Indian or Middle Eastern restaurant you may have seen savory rice dish with fruits and nuts. It is very common and also very festive. Often served alongside other meat dishes.

My mom would say making the perfect rice is a skill and one that you should never take for granted.
During my university days, I learned how true that was because not everyone can make a perfect bowl of rice. I can honestly say I have eaten one too many bowls of sticky or raw rice.

About this easy rice pilaf

A very simple and easy dish to make in less than 30 minutes. The rice takes just 20 minutes to cook. There is not much to prepare because the fruits and nuts are store-bought.

This rice pilaf is often served alongside other meat dishes so I keep it lightly flavored, unlike a biryani. But you can add more spices just as well.

The best thing about this rice pilaf is that kids love it. Growing up this was a favorite so mom made it often and now it's my kid's favorite too. The sweetness of the raisins, apricots and smooth soft nuts just melt in your mouth with all those aromatic flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves. For my kids, this is a meal on its own.

A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowl
Homemade Pilaf, Pulao Rice, Rice with Fruit and Nuts, Jeweled Rice, vegetable rice pilaf

 Ingredients and substitutes

  • Rice - Basmati rice is a variety of long and slender grains, very aromatic. It is traditionally from India. The best feature of this rice is that it is soft and fluffy with each grain perfectly separate from each other. That is why it makes a perfect choice for these types of dishes such as this Rice Pilaf with fruit and nuts, Indian Zafrani Pulao, Chicken Biryani.  You will see that I have used this rice in almost all my rice recipes - Quickest Prawn Pulao, Chinese fried rice, chicken pilaf.
  • Whole spices - This rice is often served alongside other meat dishes which is why I do not over powder it with spices. Just flavored with cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. If you want you can add a 1/4 tsp of turmeric, cumin, cilantro, and cardamom too.
  • Dried fruits - I love using apricots, raisins, and cranberries because these look very colorful like little jewels in the rice.
  • Nuts - I grew up with mom using only cashew nuts but these days I add almonds as well. Honestly, use any of your favorite nuts. Pistachios are a great addition too.
  • Garlic and ginger - Great flavors that can really add so much to a dish, and yet these can be strong in flavor if added too much. So, add only as much as you can handle.
  • Stock - I have used chicken stock for this rice but if you want you can add vegetable or beef stock too. You can even use the same amount of water if you prefer to keep it more neutral. If a liquid stock is not on hand you can also hydrate stock cubes.
  • Fresh herbs - I am a cilantro person, so I always use cilantro. And yet, parsley and a sprinkle of mint is also a great flavor to try.

Useful Tips and Tools

  • I like using a non-stick skillet for my rice dishes so the rice does not stick to the pan.
  • I also prefer to use a softer silicon spatula when flipping rice, so I can avoid breaking the rice grains.
  • And it's always a good idea to use a clean separate cutting board for vegetables and meats.
  • I think a good chef knife works best for cutting vegetables. Though large it gives you a better grip on the veggies. And yet, any kitchen knife works just as well as long as you are comfortable with it.
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowl
Homemade Pilaf, Pulao Rice, Rice with Fruit and Nuts, Jeweled Rice, vegetable rice pilaf

How to make Rice Pilaf (Save/Pin)

  • Clean, rinse and soak rice in water for 30 mins
  • In a saute pan heat oil and butter.
  • Saute the whole spices for a minute.
  • Add the nuts and fruits - saute for two minutes until lightly toasted
  • Then add in the onions - saute a minute or two until onions are translucent
  • Next, add the garlic and ginger.
  • Drain the rice and add to the pan.
  • Saute for about 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures1
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures7
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures6
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures8
  • Add 3 /12 cups stock (or water) and let come to a boil.
  • Cover the pan and lower the heat to low.
  • Cook on a low simmer for 20 minutes - set the timer for 20 minutes
  • When the timer sets off - switch the flame off. But do not open the pan.
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures2
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures4
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures3
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowlRice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures5
  • Let the rice continue to cook in the residue heat for 10 more minutes.
  • After 10 minutes add the chopped cilantro and mint.
  • Fluffy the rice with a fork
  • Serve hot
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowl
Homemade Pilaf, Pulao Rice, Rice with Fruit and Nuts, Jeweled Rice, vegetable rice pilaf
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowl

Rice Pilaf with Fruit and Nuts

Author: Veena Azmanov
5 from 15 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Resting Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Calories: 328kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 8 servings

Description

This Rice Pilaf is the perfect dish to dress a dinner table. It's a kids favorite dish where the sweetness of the raisins and the soft smooth cashews almost melt in the mouth.
ADJUST SERVINGS HERE - 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (400 g) Rice Basmati or long grain rice
  • 2 oz (60 g) Butter
  • 2 tbsp Oil
  • 1/2 cup Almonds
  • 1/2 cup Cashew nuts
  • 1/2 cup Raisins
  • 1/2 cup Dried Apricot or Cranberries
  • 1 tsp Garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp Ginger grated
  • 1 cup Onion chopped fine
  • 3 1/2  cups (800 ml) Stock chicken or vegetable
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro chopped
  • 2 sprigs Mint chopped

Spices

  • 2 inch Cinnamon stick
  • 3 pods Cardamoms or 1/4 tsp cardamon powder
  • 2 Bay leaves
  • 1 Star anise optional

Instructions

  • Clean, rinse and soak rice in water for 30 mins
  • In a saute pan heat oil and butter.
  • Saute the whole spices for a minute.
  • Add the nuts and fruits – saute for two minutes until lightly toasted
  • Then add in the onions – saute a minute or two until onions are translucent
  • Next, add the garlic and ginger.
  • Drain the rice and add to the pan.
  • Saute for about 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted
  • Add 3 /12 cups stock (or wateand let come to a boil.
  • Cover the pan and lower the heat to low.
  • Cook on a low simmer for 20 minutes – set the timer for 20 minutes
  • When the timer sets off – switch the flame off. But do not open the pan.
  • Let the rice continue to cook in the residue heat for 10 more minutes.
  • After 10 minutes add the chopped cilantro and mint.
  • Fluffy the rice with a fork
  • Serve hot

Recipe Notes

 
  1. Measure the quantity of rice using a cup and use the same cup to measure the water ratio later.
  2. Always soak the rice for a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of an hour, not more.
  3. If you make a pilaf lightly toast the rice in oil before you add water. The little oil that coats the rice will contribute to flaky rice that keeps them separate from each other.
  4. Use the right ratio of rice to water.
    In the case of soaked long-grain rice such as this basmati 1 cup rice works best with 1 1/2 cup water. When not soaked use 2 cups water for every 1 cup long grain rice (see FAQ below)
    If you don't know how much water read the package instruction as most rice manufacturers will give you a guide for their product.
  5. And if you use vegetables in the rice add 1/4 cup more water for every 1 cup veggies. However, if you use frozen veggies do not add more water as frozen veggies tend to have excess moisture in them.
  6. Once the rice is lightly toasted - add the water and bring to a boil.
  7. Then cover the pot and reduce the heat to an absolute simmer (low).
  8. Cook the rice covered for 20 minutes -
  9. After 20 minutes turn the heat off but do not open the pot - leave it for another 15 minutes
  10. After 15 minutes - open the pot and fluff the rice with a fork.
  11. Serve

Equipment

Saute Pan L
Cutting boards
Kitchen Knife
Meas Cups and Spoons
Nutrition Information
Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 24.9gProtein: 9.3gFat: 26.7gSaturated Fat: 7.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 49mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 7.5gSugar: 2.6gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

Did you make this recipe? Tag @veenaazmanov on instagram or #hashtag it #veenaazmanov
A vegetarian rice made with fruits and nuts served in a black bowl
Homemade Pilaf, Pulao Rice, Rice with Fruit and Nuts, Jeweled Rice, vegetable rice pilaf

Frequently asked questions

Can I add vegetables to this rice pilaf?

Yes, you can. Any veggies that have low water content are best for rice pilafs. For example, carrots, peas, sweet potato, beets, and butternut squash.

What rice works best for pilafs and pulao?

I use basmati rice when making pilafs and pulao. But you can use jasmine or other standard white rice.
I highly recommend reading the packaging and adjusting the quantity of water accordingly. Some rice needs a bit more water, while others a bit less. Usually, every rice package will give the recommended suggestions.

Can I use other rice for this rice pilaf?

Absolutely. Just pay attention to the water to rice ratio and cooking times.
Basmati rice - 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cup water - 20 mins
Texmati rice - 1 cup rice to 2 cups water - 20 mins
Long-grain-rice - 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cup water - 20 mins
Short grain rice - 1 cup rice to 1 1/2 cup water- 15 mins
Jasmine rice - 1 cup rice to 1 3/4 cup water - 15 mins

Can I use brown rice to make this rice pilaf?

yes, you can. Just pay attention to the water to rice ratio and cooking times.
Long grain brown rice - 1 cup rice to 1 3/4 cup water - 50 mins
Short grain brown rice - 1 cup rice to 2 cups water - 45 mins
Wide rice - 1 cup rice to 2 cups water - 55 mins

My vegetable rice is too sticky.

You need just the right ratio of water to rice. So the rice absorbs just the amount needed to soften then dry out giving you are nice flaky rice. Too much water will cause the rise to absorb too much moisture and that results in a sticky rice dish.

What do you serve a rice pilaf with fruit and nuts with?

In our home, this rice is made with both vegetarian or non-vegetarian options. This rice is usually always made in our home when I make these meat dishes.
Lamb Rogan Josh
Instant Pot Chicken Curry
Slow Cooker Indian Chicken Curry
Chicken Malai Kebabs
Indian Lamb Biryani
Slow-Cooked Lamb Masala
Slow Cooker Indian Beef Curry
Quick Indian Chicken Curry 15 mins
Quick Chicken Curry 6 ingredients
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Author - Veena Azmanov

Veena Azmanov

Veena is the author of three blogs - Veena Azmanov, Cake Decorating Tutorials, and East Indian Recipes.
She writes about cooking, baking, desserts, and cake decorating. Being a professional cake decorator and food blogger for over ten years she has been featured in many online magazines and publications around the world. On her blogs, you will find delicious, easy and practical recipes often with instructional videos and tutorials for the home cook.

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  1. SAfira

    As a lover of rice, I cannot wait to try this. Love the addition of the dried fruits and nuts

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      It so delicious, SAfira. You must try

      Reply

  2. Janet Robertson-Peverley

    Pilaf rice is such a good tasty way of enjoying rice itself. Delicious ingredients, and ideal for serving with a wide variety of foods. I love how the fruit and nuts add a jewelled look, so impressive.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Absolutely, Janet. This is so simple and easy

      Reply

  3. Shashi at SavorySpin

    This rice pilaf of yours looks so fluffy and sounds so fragrant!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      It really is light and fluffy. You will love it, Shashi

      Reply

  4. Jacqueline Debono

    I normally serve plain rice with my meat dishes but I think this pilaf would make any meal extra special!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Jacqueline. This is definitely special

      Reply

  5. Caitlyn Erhardt

    Love how yummy and simple this is! My son LOVES rice so I can't wait to make this for him!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank, Caitlyn. Yes, kids love it.

      Reply

  6. Sara Welch

    What an excellent side dish with dinner! I was looking for something different and this will be perfect for dinner tonight! Yum!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Sara. Absolutely perfect for dinner

      Reply

  7. Tristin Rieken

    I love this as a delicious side dish or even the next day as a cold lunch! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Tristin.

      Reply

  8. Paula Montenegro

    This is probably my favorite way to use rice because I'm mad about dried fruits, nuts and rice of course! Thanks for such a gorgeous recipe!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Me too, Paula. I love dried fruits and nuts

      Reply

  9. kim

    Love this easy side dish! I will definitely be making it again!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thanks, Kim. So happy you enjoyed it. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.

      Reply

  10. Lynette

    Made this last week. Was so delicious. It's definitely a kid-friendly rice dish. Will make it again for sure.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you, Lynette. So happy you have success with this recipe and loved it. Thanks for coming back to leave this feedback. Have a wonderful week.

      Reply

  11. Trela

    Loved making this recipe. My kids love rice and and they said this was the best. They didn't need anything more to go with the rice. It was so delicious. It's our new family favorite.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you so much Trela. So happy to hear that your kids enjoyed this recipe. This sure was so easy. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much. Love to hear from people who try my recipes...

      Reply

  12. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours

    Delicious! good enough as a simple dish, or as part of a larger meal. I love some sweetness with my rice.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Very true Helen.. For my kids it's sure is a meal on it's own. Thanks

      Reply

  13. Tracy | Baking Mischief

    I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but I've never actually had rice pilaf before! It looks fabulous though, and I love all those cashews in there. I think I definitely need to give this a try. 🙂

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      I think you will love it. No need to be embarrassed we all have our first time lol. Try it.. You will be surprised how easy it is.

      Reply

  14. Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish

    This sounds glorious! I love dried fruit and nuts in my food and this does look so festive.

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      Thank you Suzy...!

      Reply

  15. Taylor @ The Girl on Bloor

    I LOVE basmati rice - this would be the perfect side dish, especially during the cold winter months when you crave comfort food!

    Reply

    • Veena Azmanov

      I agree Taylor.. My kids love this!! Thank you !

      Reply
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