Armenian Lamb and Apricot Pilaf
A fragrant and flavorful pilaf featuring tender lamb, sweet dried apricots, and aromatic rice, often enhanced with nuts and spices. This dish is a celebratory staple in Armenian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Lamb shoulder or leg(cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 cup Dried apricots(halved or quartered)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3.5 cups Chicken or lamb broth
- 3 tbsp Butter or ghee
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 3 Cardamom pods
- 2 Cloves
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Almonds or pistachios(slivered or chopped, toasted, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
💡 Tip: This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes on all sides. Remove lamb and set aside.
- 3
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter or ghee to the pot. Sauté the chopped onion until softened and lightly golden, about 7-10 minutes.
- 4
Add the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Add the rinsed rice, dried apricots, broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid covers the rice and lamb by about an inch. - 6
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. - 7
Once cooked, let the pilaf rest, covered, off the heat for 10 minutes.
- 8
Fluff the pilaf gently with a fork, removing the whole spices. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
💡 Tip: Gently fluff to keep the rice grains separate. - 9
Serve hot, garnished with toasted almonds or pistachios and fresh chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using lamb shoulder or leg provides the best flavor and tenderness for this dish.
- ✓Toasting the nuts before garnishing enhances their flavor and crunch.
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the lamb and use vegetable broth, adding more dried fruits and nuts.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of saffron for a richer color and aroma.
- Include other dried fruits like raisins or prunes.
- A dash of ground cumin or coriander can add another layer of flavor.