Lemon Pistachio Pilaf Recipes

PISTACHIO LOAF

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom of an 8 1/2- by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper, then butter and flour the entire pan. Pulse 1 cup of the pistachios and 1/4 cup of the sugar in a food processor until very finely ground. Transfer the pistachio mixture to a large bowl. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In a large bowl, beat the butter and the remaining 3/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. Beat in the lemon zest. In three additions, beat in the pistachio-flour mixture, alternating with additions of buttermilk, starting and ending with pistachio-flour mixture. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs attached, 50 to 60 minutes.
• Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the cake and then tip the cake out of the pan. Remove the parchment, turn the cake right side up, and let it cool completely. Sprinkle the remaining pistachios on top of the cake before serving.

RICE PILAF WITH PISTACHIOS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Place rice in a bowl in the sink and rinse several times with water, or soak for 30 minutes to an hour. Drain.
• Heat water or stock to a bare simmer in a saucepan or in microwave.
• Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil, butter or ghee in a wide, heavy skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add onion and salt to taste. Cook, stirring, until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes, and add rice. Cook, stirring, until the grains of rice are separate, dry and beginning to crackle. Add hot water or stock, rose water and salt to taste and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 15 minutes, until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
• Uncover rice and place a clean towel over the top of the pan (it should not be touching the rice). Replace lid and allow to sit for 10 minutes, undisturbed.
• Meanwhile, heat remaining tablespoon of oil, butter or ghee over medium heat in a medium frying pan or saucepan and add the nuts. Cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, and add spices and barberries or dried apricots. Continue to cook for another minute, until the spices smell fragrant, and remove from the heat. Immediately scrape over the rice.
• Pile the pilaf onto a platter or into a wide bowl and toss to incorporate the nut and spice mixture. Serve.

PISTACHIO-LEMON BARS

Steps:

• To make crust, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper (if using foil, lightly butter it). Place flour, sugar and salt in a food processor and pulse a few times. Add butter and process until well combined. Stir in chopped pistachios. Firmly press mixture into the bottom of the lined pan using the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup (if it sticks, place a piece of parchment paper on the dough before pressing). Bake until lightly browned, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the filling ingredients. When the crust is baked, pour the filling into the pan and bake until set, about 20 minutes. Let cool completely. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and cut into 2-inch squares.

LEMON RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add celery and onions; cook until tender. Add rice, lemon zest, salt and pepper; toss lightly. Cook until heated through.