Spiced Basmati Pilaf with Walnuts and Raisins

DESCRIPTION

Guaranteed you will enjoy this nicely textured, versatile side dish that tastes a whole lot more complicated than it actually is to make!

Total Time
1 Hr
Serves
8
Meal
Dinner Lunch
Course
Side

Total Time

Prep Time
20 Mins
Cook Time
40 Mins
Total Time
1 Hr

Nutrition

Calories
397 cal
Total Fat
19 g
Polyunsaturated Fat
11 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
297 mg
Carbohydrates
53 g
Dietary Fiber
5 g
Protein
7 g

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked brown basmati rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 tablespoons oil or butter
  • 1 1/2 cups minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon minced or crushed garlic
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1 cup raisins (dark or golden – or a combination)
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons grated orange or lemon zest (or a combination)
  • 1 1/2 cups minced California walnuts, lightly toasted
  • About 10 fresh mint leaves, cut into very thin strips (optional)

Preparation

  1. Place the rice and water in a pot with a tight fitting lid. Bring to a boil, then cover, and simmer undisturbed over low heat until tender (about 40 minutes). (If the rice is still underdone at this point, it is okay to splash in up to 1/4 cup more water, and cook a little further.)
  2. Meanwhile, heat the oil or melt the butter in a medium-sized skillet. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, fennel seeds and salt. Sauté over low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the onion is very soft. Remove from heat.
  3. When the rice is tender to your liking, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains, and transfer to a serving bowl. Stir in the onion mixture, working it in with a fork to thoroughly combine. Add the raisins, citrus zest, and walnuts as you stir.
  4. Top with the mint chiffonade, if desired, and serve right away.