Israeli Chicken and Rice Pilaf with Apricots and Almonds
A fragrant and flavorful rice pilaf featuring tender chicken, sweet dried apricots, and crunchy almonds, often seasoned with warm spices. This dish is a celebration of Middle Eastern influences found in Israeli cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs(boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 cups Basmati rice(rinsed)
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 cup Dried apricots(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Slivered almonds(toasted)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Coriander
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the rinsed basmati rice, coating it with the spices and aromatics. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- 6
Gently stir in the chopped dried apricots and toasted slivered almonds. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes off the heat.
- 7
Fluff the pilaf with a fork and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and crunch.
- ✓Ensure the rice is rinsed well to remove excess starch, which can make the pilaf gummy.
- ✓Adjust the spices to your preference; a pinch of cardamom can also be a nice addition.
🔄 Variations
- Add other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
- Incorporate chopped pistachios or walnuts for added texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth.