Armenian Rice Pilaf with Raisins and Nuts #Armenian

       Pilaf , also known as pilav , pilau , pilafi , pulao , plov , polov , polo and polu is a dish in which rice is cooked in a seasoned broth . The caramelized onion gives the pilaf  its brown color. Depending on the cuisine and the recipe , it may contain meat , fish , vegetables , pasta and dried fruits. 

 In this pilaf , they use chicken stock to cook the rice  , I used vegetable stock.

 This pilaf is rich with the flavor of butter and the nuts added to it. This rice can be served along with any spicy vegetarian or non vegetarian gravy.

   This rice will be excellent for lunchbox , as it is quick to make and delicious and nutrition packed. kids prefer this rice as this has mild spices.......
    It tastes great without any sidedish,  it tastes great even it is cold.

 Ingredients :

  1 cup long grain rice

½ cup vermicelli crumbled into 1 inch long pieces

1- 2tbs butter

2 cup vegetable stock

salt to taste

whole spice – Bay leaf , cinnamon , cardamom , mace

¼ cup chopped almonds

¼ cup golden raisins

¼ tsp black pepper powder

1 tbs chopped pistachioas

Method :

Wash and soak the rice for 10 minutes.

 Heat a deep covered pan , melt the butter .

Add the whole spices and fry in butter for a minute.

Add in the vermicelli and roast till it is golden brown.

Add in the soaked rice and sauté for two minutes.

Add the vegetable / chicken stock and  required salt and pepper.

Adjust  the seasoning while the rice is boiling in the stock.

When the stock boils , simmer and cook for another 25 minutes or till the rice are cooked.

Meanwhile , in a sauté pan , melt ½ tsp of butter , add almonds , pistachios and raisins . sauté till a nice aroma comes out.

Add these to the cooked rice and mix gently.

Chef’s suggestion :

Lemon juice can be added to this pilaf.

Along with the above nuts dates , apricot , walnuts  and pine nuts can be added.