Paula And Elizabeth Brownlees Fancy Rice Pilaf Recipes

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.

ALMOND RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion and almonds. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until the onion is softened and the almonds are golden, stirring occasionally. Add the rice; cook and stir for 1 minute. Slowly stir in the broth and add the salt and the pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and garnish with parsley.

PAULA AND ELIZABETH BROWNLEE'S FANCY RICE PILAF

Steps:

• Heat the butter in a heavy saucepan and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until the onion is wilted. Add the rice and bulgur and cook, stirring briefly, without browning, until grains of rice are covered with butter.
• Add the broth, currants, allspice, salt and pepper. Stir. Cover closely and cook the mixture over low heat until the liquid is absorbed, about 17 minutes.
• Top each serving with a spoonful of yogurt and a small sprinkling of toasted pine nuts or almonds.

BAKED RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish, combine all the ingredients. Cover and bake at 375° for 40-45 minutes or until rice is tender, stirring after 25 minutes.