Turkish Pilaf
For Tu B'Shevat (the holiday celebrating the New Year of Trees), it is traditional to serve foods containing fruits and nuts that grow on trees. This pilaf, with
the apricots, figs, pine nuts, and almonds is perfect for the occasion. Although it is not traditional, I like to
prepare this dish with basmati rice. The texture combines beautifully with the fruit and nuts. This is best made
with Mediterranean style apricots and moist dried figs. If the fruit is not moist, soak it briefly in water before
beginning the dish. I serve Turkish Pilaf with veal or beef stew, brisket or roast beef or lamb.
This pilaf is an adaptation of a recipe originally printed in The Cook's Magazine, November/December, 1984.
Ingredients
- 4 T. olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 finely chopped onion
- 1 cup raw basmati rice
- 1/2 cup chopped dried figs
- 1/4 cup chopped dried Mediterranean apricots
- 1 cinnamon stick
- large pinch saffron
- salt, freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cup hot chicken stock or water
Yield: 10 servings
Preheat oven to 400°.
Sauté pine nuts and almonds in oil and remove to a plate.
Add onions to the oil, and sauté until soft (1 minute).
Add rice, sauté until translucent, stir in reserved pine nuts, almonds, figs and apricots, cinnamon,
saffron, salt, pepper, and stock. Bring to boil. Press waxed paper onto rice, cover, and bake 20 minutes. If you
prefer, you can cook the rice (after sautéing) in the microwave. Do not overcook, however, because the dish
should not be dry.