Mediterranean Spiced Rice With Apricots Recipes

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH DRIED FRUITS AND ALMONDS

Steps:

• Place the rice in a medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Using your hands, gently swish the grains to release any excess starch. Carefully pour off the water, leaving the rice in the bowl. Repeat four to five times, until the water runs almost clear. Using a fine mesh strainer, drain the water from rice. Place the strainer over a bowl and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring regularly, until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add the cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Add the rice to the pot, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes. Add the water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, 15 to 18 minutes. Off the heat, remove the lid and sprinkle the dried fruit over the rice (do not mix in). Place the lid over the pot and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss in the toasted almonds, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.

MEDITERRANEAN SPICED RICE WITH APRICOTS

Steps:

• In a saucepan, over medium heat, warm the olive oil, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Stir in the chicken stock and water; bring to a boil.
• Add the rice; reduce heat, cover and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is almost tender.
• Stir in seasonings, apricots and green onion; cook an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.

FRAGRANT APRICOT RICE

Steps:

• In a hot heavy bottom pan heat butter and oil
• Saute onion, garlic and ginger till translucent add coriander seeds, basil, rice and apricots stir to coat with onion mixture adding wine and cook till wine is absorbed
• Add zest and water simmering covered over low heat for 20-25 minutes
• Fluff with fork and season with salt and pepper
• Top with cashews and garnish with fresh basil

MOROCCAN RICE WITH APRICOTS AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Place the apricots in a heatproof bowl; cover them with boiling water and set aside to soften, about 30 minutes.
• Chop and set aside.
• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat; add in the pine nuts, stirring for 2 minutes, or until lightly browned.
• Add in the scallions, rice, reserved apricots, parsley, salt, saffron, cayenne, cardamom, and cumin.
• Cook, stirring until well mixed and heated through, about 10 minutes; taste and adjust seasonings.
• Serve.

SAVORY RICE PILAF WITH LAVENDER & APRICOTS

Steps:

• Melt butter in medium saucepan; gradually add onion and celery; cook until wilted. Add garlic and rice; stir until thoroughly coated with butter.
• Add broth, ginger, lavender and salt.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat to low.
• Cover and cook without stirring until liquid is absorbed.
• When rice is tender, stir in currants, apricots, and lemon juice.
• Remove from heat and let stand covered to soften fruits.
• Add nuts and herbs and mix well.
• Serve immediately.