Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit

This post was sponsored by S&W Beans as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit is a quick and flavorful meal. It’s vegan and gluten-free and perfect any night of the week.

Often I serve rice as a side dish, but there’s no reason it can’t be the star of the meal.

That’s how I feel about this Basmati Rice Pilaf.

It’s a complete main dish on its own.

Add a simple green salad or Mediterranean Cucumber and Tomato Salad, and you’re good to go!

This recipe was inspired by rice dishes I’ve enjoyed at Middle Eastern restaurants.

Growing up, my mom always kept a well-stocked pantry.

There were at least two large shelves dedicated to canned goods, and I always noticed the wide selection of S&W Beans.

She bought all the classics like chili beans, white beans, and kidney beans.

And later when she was concerned about consuming excess sodium, she switched to the 50% Less Sodium Beans.

While my personal choice are the Organic beans, you know whichever S&W products you purchase, the quality will be top notch.

Check out the recipes you can make with S&W Beans, and be sure to download a coupon.

Basmati Rice Pilaf is made with either brown or white rice, onion, garbanzo beans, raisins, dates, and aromatic seasonings.

I used brown basmati rice in this recipe, but it also works well with white.

In fact, you can cook the rice however you prefer. I like to use my Instant Pot electric pressure cooker, but cooking it on the stove works perfectly fine.

While the rice is cooking, I saute the onion until soft and lightly browned. You can either cook it with oil or use water if you are avoiding oil.

Then I add turmeric, cinnamon, and ground cumin.

Next the chickpeas, raisins, and dates are added to the mix.

And finally the cooked basmati rice is folded into the fragrant mixture.

If you enjoy Basmati Rice Pilaf, check out these other recipes featuring garbanzo beans:

Zucchini Chickpea Stew

Middle Eastern Bean Salad (Balela)

Chickpea Stir Fry

Chickpea Guacamole Tacos

Roasted Chickpea Fattoush Salad

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Now let’s make Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit!

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Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit

Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit is a quick and flavorful meal. It's vegan and gluten-free and perfect any night of the week. Serve this pilaf with a salad for a complete meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 4

Calories 487 kcal

Author Amy Katz

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice brown or white
• 1 Tablespoon neutral-flavored oil (optional)
• 1 onion thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground cumin
• 1 can chickpeas (15 ounces) rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dates (pits removed) chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice according to the package directions or your preferred method.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil (if using) or 2 Tablespoons of water in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft.

3. Next add the turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, raisins, dates and garbanzo beans, and stir until well combined and heated through.

4. Finally, add the cooked rice to the skillet and carefully fold in. 

5. Taste and add salt and pepper, if desired.

Recipe Notes

If you make Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit, or any of the other recipes on the website, I would love to see your creations! 

Use the hashtag #veggiessavetheday on Instagram and tag Veggies Save The Day so I don’t miss seeing what’s cooking in your kitchen. In addition, you can post your photos on the Facebook page Veggies Save The Day. 

Nutrition Facts

Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit

Amount Per Serving

Calories 487 Calories from Fat 36

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 4g 6%

Sodium 11mg 0%

Potassium 429mg 12%

Total Carbohydrates 104g 35%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 12g

Protein 7g 14%

Vitamin C 3.7%

Calcium 4.4%

Iron 9.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.