Spiced Basmati Pilaf with Roasted Almonds & Marinated Dried Fruit Recipe

Ingredients:

Rice Pilaf:

• 2 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ¼ C Yellow Onion
• 1 T Garlic, Minced
• 1 t Salt
• ¼ t Cinnamon
• ¼ t Cumin
• ¼ t Cayenne
• ¼ t Turmeric
• 1 C Basmati Rice
• 1 2/3 C Water

Marinated Dried Fruit:

• ¼ C Dried Cherries
• ¼ C Dried Apricots, Sliced
• ¼ C Dried Dates, Sliced
• ¼ C Bourbon
• ½ C Apple Juice

Directions:

Marinated Dried Fruit:

1. Add the fruit to a plastic container.
2. In a sauté pan, add the bourbon and flambé with a match. Once the flame dies, add the apple juice and bring to a boil. As soon as it boils pour over the dried fruit, cover, and allow to sit in the liquid for at least one hour.

Basmati Pilaf:

1. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly through a mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a heavy bottomed sauce pot, add the oil and sweat the onions until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the salt, turmeric, cayenne, cinnamon, and cumin and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the basmati rice and cook over a medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes to toast the rice.
4. Add the water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce to a low simmer and cover. Allow to cook for 10 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and let stand, still covered, for 10 minutes.
7. Add the marinated dried fruit and roasted almonds.

Enjoy!