Grains

Pistachio, Golden Raisin, Cardamom-Scented Pilaf

January 29, 2011
4.5
2 Ratings
  • Serves 4, generously
Test Kitchen Notes

With crunch from toasted pistachios and the occasional burst of plump raisin, this nutty pilaf is a sweet and savory delight, gently-perfumed with cardamom. My rice took a good 10 minutes longer to cook than the recipe notes, but then I did use brown basmati instead of the brown jasmine Sundayinthekitchen calls for. Regardless, it was super-delicious alongside roast chicken and I’d happily make it again. —Midge

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup yellow onion
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom
  • 2 teaspoons butter, organic if possible
  • 1 cup brown jasmine rice
  • 2 cups chicken stock, homemade if possible
  • 3 tablespoons toasted pistachios,roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins, rehydrated in hot water for two minutes and drained
  • 1 dash sea salt or kosher (or to taste)
Directions
  1. In a heavy, medium sized saucepan, heat butter over low. When it begins to melt, add onion, spices and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add rice and cook, stirring vigorously, until the rice is coated in the butter and spices and smells toasted, about 1 minute.
  3. Add the broth, bring to boil, reduce to simmer and cover. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add the raisins and pistachios, stir, cover and cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • JJ Avinger-Jacques
    JJ Avinger-Jacques
  • Waverly
    Waverly
  • mrslarkin
    mrslarkin
  • Kitchen Butterfly
    Kitchen Butterfly
  • drbabs
    drbabs

6 Reviews

JJ A. March 21, 2017
Made this last night, and all I can say is MEH....bland, bland, bland. It DEFINITELY needs more salt, and I also used the brown basmati rice and yes, it did take about 10-18 minutes longer. It seems as if it would be very delicious with all the great ingredients, but it didn't happen for me. One needs to saute the onions LONG before adding the spices, as once they are in the pot, all the juiciness gets seized up by the ground spices. I won't make this again.
 
Waverly February 1, 2011
Great combination - it sounds delicious.
 
mrslarkin January 31, 2011
This sounds really good! Thanks for the recipe!
 
Kitchen B. January 30, 2011
I love the combination of raisins and pistachios in rice. Great.
 
drbabs January 29, 2011
yum
 
Sundayinthekitchen January 29, 2011
thank you! i love the sweet/savory flavors.