Discover a delightful fusion of flavors with our Almond Lemon Parsley Pilaf Rice! This Middle Eastern-inspired dish is not just a side; it's an explosion of taste that will elevate any meal. With its fragrant basmati rice, zesty lemon, and crunchy almonds, this pilaf is a feast for the senses that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the details of this vibrant dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained rice, stirring gently to coat each grain with oil and lightly toast for 2-3 minutes, which will enhance the rice's nutty flavor.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pan with the rice. Add a pinch of salt to season. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the rice for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent steam and even cooking.
- While the rice is cooking, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Once rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the grains.
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Fold in fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and toasted almonds.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with extra parsley and almonds if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Rice: Always rinse your basmati rice until the water runs clear. This crucial step removes excess starch, ensuring your rice turns out fluffy and non-sticky.
- Toast the Rice: Don’t skip the toasting step! Sautéing the rinsed rice in olive oil for a few minutes enhances its nutty flavor, making your pilaf even more delicious.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: While the rice is simmering, resist the urge to peek. Keeping the lid on allows steam to cook the rice evenly, resulting in perfectly tender grains.
- Toast the Almonds: Lightly toasting the sliced almonds brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- Rest the Rice: Allow the cooked rice to rest for a few minutes after removing it from heat. This step helps the grains firm up and makes for a fluffier texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving! Feel free to adjust the salt and lemon juice to suit your palate, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish your pilaf with additional parsley and almonds before serving. It not only looks beautiful but also adds a fresh crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
