Basmati Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Dried Fruit
Updated Jul 14, 2025, Published on Feb 28, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you're looking for a flavorful and easy side dish that has the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors, then this Basmati Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Dried Fruit is a must-try! This rice recipe is packed with with aromatic spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom. The chewy dried Turkish apricots, dried cherries, crunchy toasted pine nuts, and herbaceous fresh parsley perfectly tie together into the most amazing rice pilaf. This versatile dish is perfect as a vibrant side dish or as the base for a rice bowl.
Try this rice pilaf with my Sheet Pan Harissa Chicken Thighs and Vegetables recipe!
This rice is also fantastic with Trader Joe's Middle Eastern Style Kebabs, feta crumbles, fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (pictured below).
Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
See the full list of ingredients with exact quantities on the recipe card below.
Dried Fruit
Turkish Apricots: sweet, plump, and slightly tart. Perfect for sweet and savory dishes!
Dried Cherries: tangy, slightly tart flavor with a chewy texture.
- Substitutions/Additions: Raisins, dried figs, or dried cranberries would also work well. Use whatever you have on hand or prefer!
Herbs
- Substitutions/Additions: Some basil or mint would be an excellent addition as well.
Nuts
- Substitutions/Additions: Chopped pistachios, walnuts, or almonds would be very tasty in this rice pilaf.
How to make this Basmati Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Dried Fruit
See full list of instructions on the recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook the aromatics and toast the rice
Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan or pot. Add the shallot and garlic, stirring often, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked basmati rice and toast for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to coat the grains in the oil.
Step 2: Mix in the spices and broth
Add all of the spices from the spice mix, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the pine nuts, dried fruit, and fresh parsley
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, Turkish apricots, dried cherries, and fresh parsley until well combined. Taste and season with kosher salt as needed.
Did you try this Basmati Rice Pilaf? Leave a Review!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! If you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a rating and review. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram or TikTok—I love seeing your creations!
Basmati Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Dried Fruit
Equipment
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1/4 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cardamom
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves
Rice Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Basmati Rice
- 1.75 cups Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth, or the broth/stock you prefer
- 3 tablespoon Pine Nuts, toasted
- 4 Turkish Apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup Dried Cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
- Kosher Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a medium saucepan or pot. Add the shallot and garlic, stirring often, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the uncooked basmati rice and toast for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to coat the grains in the oil.1 Shallot, 3 cloves Garlic, 1 cup Basmati Rice, 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Add all of the spices from the spice mix, stir to combine, and cook for 1 minute. Then pour in the broth, stir, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes.1/4 teaspoon Turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon Coriander, 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cardamom, 1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves, 1.75 cups Unsalted Chicken Bone Broth
- Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the toasted pine nuts, Turkish apricots, dried cherries, and fresh parsley until well combined. Taste and season with kosher salt as needed.3 tablespoon Pine Nuts, 4 Turkish Apricots, 1/4 cup Dried Cherries, 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley, Kosher Salt
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
