Rice Pilaf with Dried Fruit and Nuts

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.

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.

 Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

• 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.

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

Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures1

Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures7

Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures6

Rice 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.

Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures2

Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures4

Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit Progress Pictures3

Rice 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

Ten tips to make the perfect rice pilaf?

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.
So here’s how you can make a perfect bowl of rice every single time, no matter what the ingredients.

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

Frequently asked questions

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
You can check out all my Indian recipes here and here on my new Indian blog East Indian recipe.

Instant Pot Chicken Curry7

Indian Mince Beef Curry (19)

Aloo Gobi Masala Indian Spiced Cauliflower Potato

Oven Baked Tandoori Chicken Recipe, Best Tandoori Chicken Recipe

SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST FOR LATER. TRIED MY RECIPE? SHARE IT WITH ME, PLEASE.
Share a picture of your work with me by uploading an image here below my image on this board. You can also find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.

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

$10

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.

Equipment /Tools

• Saute pan 5 quarts (Calphalon)
• Cutting boards
• Kitchen Knife
• Measuring Cups
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 2 cups (13.05 oz) Rice Basmati or long grain rice
• 50 grams (1.76 oz) Butter
• 2 tbsp (2 tbsp) Oil
• 1/2 cup Almonds
• 1/2 cup (4.55 oz) Cashew nuts
• 1/2 cup (5.11 oz) Raisins
• 1/2 cup Dried Apricot or Cranberries
• 1 tsp (2 cloves) Garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp (0.25 piece) Ginger grated
• 1 cup (1 ) Onion chopped fine
• 3 1/2  cups (29.59 floz) Stock chicken or vegetable
• 1/4 cup (0.25 cup) Cilantro chopped
• 2 sprigs (2 sprigs) Mint chopped

Spices

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

ADJUST SERVINGS HERE – 8 servings

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 Video

About Videos – most recipes has two videos – a quick version in the post & longer detailed version on this recipe card. Sometimes a similar recipe video may be used. Please do subscribe to my channel if you like my videos

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Rice Pilaf with Fruit and Nuts

Amount Per Serving

Calories 328 Calories from Fat 240

% Daily Value*

Fat 26.7g41%

Saturated Fat 7.1g36%

Trans Fat 0.2g

Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g

Monounsaturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 13mg4%

Sodium 49mg2%

Potassium 0mg0%

Carbohydrates 24.9g8%

Fiber 7.5g30%

Sugar 2.6g3%

Protein 9.3g19%

Vitamin A 0IU0%

Vitamin C 0mg0%

Calcium 0mg0%

Iron 0mg0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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

Keywords – Indian rice pilaf, Rice pilaf, rice with fruit and nuts

Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about itMention @veenaazmanov or #tag on Instagram #veenaazmanov

More rice dishes to make.

• Vegetable Rice Pilaf
• Quick prawn rice pilaf
• The best, fried rice in 15 minutes
• Easiest chicken biryani is three easy steps
• Instant pot chicken biryani
• Pressure cooker chicken biryani
• Turmeric cauliflower rice
• Mustard dill cauliflower rice
• Quick Shawarma Chicken
• Sheet Pan Paprika Chicken
• Quick Chicken Curry Just 6 ingredients
• Quick and Easy Chicken Curry in 15 mins
• Cilantro Lemon Chicken
• Chicken Kebabs Middle Eastern Style

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani10

15 Healthy Eating Habits for the family

The Best Fried Rice Recipe Recipe in 15 Minutes

Indian Lamb Biryani, Gosh Biryani, Dum Biryani, Easy Biryani Recipe

Easiest Indian Chicken Biryani – in Three Easy Steps

Have you even wondered how to make Chicken Biryani? This simple, easy and effortless recipes will probably make the easiest Indian Chicken Biryani recipe using boneless chicken and easy to find spices that you can relate to. This post simplifies the process in three easy to understand steps so you will enjoy making this classic one pot dish.

Homemade Indian Curry Powder Spice Mix

Make the most exotic blend of spice mix for your next Indian feast. This homemade Indian curry powder spice mix is a special blend with just the right mix and match in flavor and balance. Not too smoky and not too spicy. Personalize it with suggestions I give and create the best Indian curry you ever tasted.