Seasoned with aromatic spices, this Middle Eastern-inspired basmati rice pilaf is a delight for the senses. Studded with chickpeas and dried fruit, it works beautifully as either a side or a main dish. It’s easy to make with white or brown basmati rice, and you can even substitute another long-grain variety like jasmine.
What makes this basmati rice pilaf special is the combination of sauteed onions with turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin. Your kitchen will smell incredible! The mix of chickpeas and dried fruit like raisins and dates adds just the right balance of savory and sweet, with a satisfying contrast of textures.
Looking for more ways to transform plain rice? Try my spicy mango rice or cold brown rice salad next.
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Absolutely delicious! I did not add raisins, just added a few more dates. What a wonderful way for the flavor to pop!
- Jaime
Ingredients
- Brown or white basmati rice (or substitute jasmine any variety of long-grain rice)
- Olive oil
- Onion (white, yellow, or red)
- Dried spices: turmeric, cinnamon, ground cumin, and salt and pepper
- Canned chickpeas
- Dried fruit: raisins and dates (or use your favorites like sour cherries or apricots)
Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Thoroughly rinse and drain the rice. Then cook it on the stove according to the directions on the package (or use an Instant Pot pressure cooker).
- Saute the onions and aromatics: While the rice is cooking, saute the onion until soft and lightly browned. Then add the turmeric, cinnamon, and ground cumin.
- Put it all together: Next add the chickpeas, raisins, and dates to the pan. Lastly fold in the cooked basmati rice until well combined.
Serving suggestions
Basmati rice pilaf is wonderful on its own or with other dishes:
- Enjoy it with a salad tossed in olive oil and lemon vinaigrette or creamy hummus dressing.
- Pair it with vegetables like Mediterranean grilled veggies or mustard roasted cauliflower.
- Try it with a simple veggie salad like cherry tomatoes and onions with fresh basil.
However you serve it, this customizable rice recipe is a delicious way to turn plain rice into the star of your meal.
Made this recipe? Have a question? Please leave a comment below. 💙 And for even more recipes, join my email list for community, inspiration & to chat directly with me!
Love and Veggies,
Amy
📋 Recipe
Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, (brown or white) rinsed and drained
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cumin
- 1-15 ounce can chickpeas, (about 1½ cups) rinsed and drained
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup dates , (pits removed) chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to the package directions or your preferred method.2 cups basmati rice
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and saute until soft.1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 onion
- Next add the turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, chickpeas, raisins, and dates, and stir until well combined and heated through.1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 pinch cinnamon, 1 pinch ground cumin, 1-15 ounce can chickpeas, ½ cup raisins, ½ cup dates
- Finally, add the cooked rice to the skillet and carefully fold in.
- Taste and add salt and pepper as need, and enjoy.salt and pepper
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Notes
- For brown rice, add 3 cups water to the 2 cups rinsed rice. Lock the lid and cook for 22 minutes at high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally.
- For white rice, follow the same instructions but cook for 8 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
Debbie says
Delicious! Plus this was so easy to make! I love Middle Eastern flavours so I thoroughly enjoyed this as my dinner. I omitted both the dates and raisins which I know may take away from the intended flavour but I did replace with sultanas. This was just for preference as I don't like raisins or dates. I was contemplating using dried apricots too so may try this next time.
Jaime says
Absolutely delicious! I did not add raisins, just added a few more dates. What a wonderful way for the flavor to pop!
Amy Katz says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Jaime!
Aimee B. says
This may be a silly question, but is the 2 cups of rice cooked, or are we preparing 2 cups of uncooked rice? Thanks. Looks delicious! 🙂
Amy says
That's a great question! It's two cups of uncooked rice. Thank you, Aimee!
Aimee B. says
Thanks so much! 🙂