Fragrant Apricot Rice Recipes

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS

Steps:

• Put the apricots and lemon zest in the 2 cups of cold water. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the garam masala, and toast, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 6 minutes.
• Stir in the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the water along with the apricots, lemon zest, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, wrap a clean dish towel around the saucepan lid, and cover saucepan. Cook for 10 minutes, set aside for 5 minutes undisturbed, then remove lid and fluff with a fork. Mound the pilaf on a serving platter or in a shallow bowl, tear the mint over, and top with the nuts.
• Game Plan: Toast the nuts while the rice cooks.

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH DRIED FRUITS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Place the rice in a medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Using your hands, gently swish the grains to release any excess starch. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the rice in the bowl. Repeat four to five times, until the water runs almost clear. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the water from rice. Place the strainer over a bowl and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring regularly, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Add the rice to the pot, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Off the heat, remove the lid and sprinkle the dried fruit over the rice (do not mix in). Place the lid over the pot and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss in the toasted almonds, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

FRAGRANT APRICOT RICE

Steps:

• In a hot heavy bottom pan heat butter and oil
• Saute onion, garlic and ginger till translucent add coriander seeds, basil, rice and apricots stir to coat with onion mixture adding wine and cook till wine is absorbed
• Add zest and water simmering covered over low heat for 20-25 minutes
• Fluff with fork and season with salt and pepper
• Top with cashews and garnish with fresh basil

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH APRICOTS

Steps:

• Put the apricots and lemon zest in the 2 cups of cold water. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the garam masala, and toast, stirring , until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the onion and 1/4 of the salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 6 minutes.
• Stir in the rice and cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to brown, about 4 minutes. Stir in the water along with the apricots, lemon zest, the remaining 1 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, wrap a clean dish towel around the saucepan lid, and cover the saucepan.
• Meanwhile, toast the nuts and set aside.
• Cook the rice for 10 minutes, set aside for 5 minutes undisturbed, then remove the lid and fluff with a fork.
• Mound the pilaf on a serving dish and tear the mint over it and top with nuts.

AROMATIC BASMATI RICE WITH APRICOTS AND CASHEWS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat; add in the rice and decrease heat to medium.
• Boil, uncovered until the rice is barely tender, about 15 minutes; drain into a sieve and rinse under cold running water; place in a large bowl.
• In a big skillet, melt the butter over med-high heat; add in the onions and carrots; cook, stirring often, until the onions are golden brown, 10-12 minutes.
• Add the cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, and cloves; stir until very fragrant, 15-30 seconds.
• Scrape the vegetables into the bowl of rice and mix.
• Stir in the cashews, apricots, cilantro, salt, and pepper; place in a lightly buttered baking dish, drizzle with the broth, cover, and bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 30 minutes.