Rice with Raisins and Nuts
This aromatic, golden rice dish balances the sweetness of plump raisins with the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, making it the perfect elegant side for any meal.
Ingredients
- •1.5 cups basmati rice
- •2.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- •3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •1/2 cup golden raisins
- •1/2 cup slivered almonds or chopped walnuts
- •1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.
- 2
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the nuts and toast them until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the nuts from the pan and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the rice, cinnamon, and turmeric, coating the grains in the butter and spices for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- 5
Pour in the broth and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then stir in the raisins.
- 6
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18 minutes without lifting the lid.
- 7
Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
- 8
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, fold in the toasted nuts, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
💡 Chef tips
- For extra depth of flavor, toast the dry rice in the butter for an extra minute until it smells slightly nutty before adding the liquid.
- You can easily make this dish ahead of time; simply reheat it with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out.
- If you prefer a more savory profile, add a pinch of ground cumin or a few cardamom pods to the butter while sautéing the onions.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish should feature fluffy, distinct grains of rice with a vibrant golden hue, smelling warmly of cinnamon and butter, with a delightful contrast between the chewy sweetness of the raisins and the crisp, toasted nuts.