| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 400 | 15g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 20g | 5g | 10g | 0.39g |
The Blue Fenugreek rice pilaf; a cornucopia of flavors, colors, and festivity. From the delicate aroma of blue fenugreek to the rich textures of dried fruits and nuts — this dish is a culinary symphony that plays a tantalizing melody on your taste buds.
Starting with the Basics
To understand why I adore this recipe so much, we need to delve into its core. The base is none other than Basmati rice, a long-grain variant known for its distinctive fragrance and fluffy texture. This serves as the canvas on which we paint a tapestry of flavors.
The Magic of Blue Fenugreek
The eponymous blue fenugreek offers a unique flavor profile that distinguishes this dish from others. It blends beautifully with olive oil, onion, and garlic creating a savory foundation that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the dried fruits.
The Bounty of the Orchard
Dried apricots, golden raisins, cranberries, chopped almonds, pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh blueberries; the recipe reads like a walk through a vibrant autumn orchard. Each bite is a delightful surprise of textures and flavors that transports you to the heart of nature’s bounty.
The crowning glory comes in the form of Greek yogurt, offering a creamy tanginess that ties everything together.
Enjoy the Bounty of Health Benefits
Not only is the Blue Fenugreek rice pilaf a riot of flavors, but it’s also a powerhouse of nutrients. Did you know that fenugreek, apart from its uniquely alluring aroma, is also praised for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties? Each spoonful of this dish is packed with fibrous dried fruits, protein-rich nuts, and antioxidant berries.
Companion Dishes and Variations
Serve this exuberant dish alongside a simple Spanish chicken stew or as a festive accompaniment to Cuban roasted pork. For a Caribbean twist, try integrating pineapple chunks or mango slices for added tropical allure.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of Basmati rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of blue fenugreek
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of dried apricots, chopped
- 1/2 cup of golden raisins
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup of chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt (optional)
Method
Step One
Firstly, rinse the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This will remove any excess starch on the rice grains. Then, soak the rice in water for about 15-20 minutes. After soaking, drain well.
Step Two
In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the prepared rice along with 1 tablespoon of blue fenugreek and 1 teaspoon of salt. Finally, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and leave to simmer until all the water is absorbed. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
Step Three
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute these until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragely.
Step Four
Next, add the chopped dried apricots, golden raisins, and dried cranberries to the onions and garlic in the skillet. Saute for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring all the fruits are well coated in the oil and starting to soften.
Step Five
Follow by adding the chopped almonds and pistachios to the skillet. Stir well and continue to saute until the nuts are slightly toasted. This will take about 2 minutes.
Step Six
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork and then add it to the skillet with the fruit and nut mixture. Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the rice is well coated in the flavors.
Step Seven
Finally, stir in the pomegranate seeds and fresh blueberries. Continue to heat everything together for about 2 more minutes. This will allow the berries to slightly soften and release their natural sweetness into the rice pilaf.
Step Eight
Serve the Blue Fenugreek Rice Pilaf hot, garnishing each plate with fresh cilantro. For a cooler, creamier twist, you can also serve the pilaf with a side of Greek yogurt.
