Rice Pilaf With Almonds And Raisins Recipes

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF WITH RAISINS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Break or crush the vermicelli into 1-inch lengths. Add the pasta and rice to the butter and stir often until golden, about 5-8 minutes, being careful not to burn the vermicelli.
• Add the broth, allspice and salt and pepper. Bring to a full boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender to bite, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a sauté pan over medium heat, melt remaining 1 or 2 tablespoons butter. Add the almonds and stir often until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the raisins and stir until they puff, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Stir peas if using, parsley and lemon juice into rice. Cover and simmer until peas are hot, about 3-4 minutes.
• Pour pilaf into a serving bowl or on a platter and sprinkle with the raisin and nut mixture over the top. (Diced dried dates, figs, apricots or chopped walnuts may also be used in this topping.)

RICE WITH ALMONDS AND RAISINS

Steps:

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion, stirring, until tender. Stir in the rice, raisins, broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Stir in almonds before serving.

GOLDEN PILAF WITH APRICOTS, RAISINS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Brown almonds in saucepan with olive oil over medium heat.
• Remove almonds and set aside.
• Add onion to the same saucepan and cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in cinnamon, sazon, salt, cardamom and nutmeg.
• Cook for 1 minute.
• Add rice, cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Stir in water, milk, apricots and raisins.
• Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
• Fluff with a fork, garnish with reserved almonds and serve.

RAISIN BROWN RICE PILAF

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in rice, raisins and cinnamon stick; saute until rice is golden. Add broth and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 hour or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Discard cinnamon stick. Sprinkle with almonds.