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My Inspiration For the Recipe
How many basmati rice recipes do you know? I am sure quite a few. Well, here's a brand new one that is delicious and nutritious as well: Basmati rice with apricots and almonds.
This recipe is awesome; it's actually an adaptation from one of Goya's recipes. What makes it so totally fabulous is the use of basmati rice which has a unique flavor and aroma. Actually, the name basmati comes from a Sanskrit word: vasmati, meaning fragrant. India is the largest producer of basmati rice.
This basmati rice with apricots and almonds is a great mixture of flavors. The almonds add a nice crunch, while onions and the chicken broth provide the savory component; the apricots and the dates add that lovely sweetness that really rounds up all the flavors. You can serve this lovely side dish with your favorite meat or even fish.
Origins of the Dish
Okay, so this is a blog that celebrates not only ethnic dishes but also the origin of foods.
Having said this, I just want to point out that this is really a very international dish, and this is why: Almonds are thought to have originated in either China or Central Asia.
Apricots, once referred to as "Moons of the Faithful" are thought to have come from China where they were cultivated as far back as 4,000 years ago. Dates? Well, they are an ancient food indeed, and one which many ancient cultures such as the Greek, Romans and Phoenicians revered. And of course there's basmati rice, which as I mentioned earlier in this post is original to India. Wow! isn't this cool?
By the way, I used quite a few Goya products for this recipe, since they were kind enough to send me a box with various items. Imagine my delight when I saw the Goya basmati rice, the Goya extra virgin olive oil, and of course the Sazon Goya with Saffron, one of my favorites because of the absolutely beautiful and intense yellow color that it gives the rice, not to mention the hint of saffron which I adore.
Want to turn your Basmati Rice with Apricots and Almonds into a meal? I would recommend pairing it with Moroccan Beef Kabobs and Turkish Orange and Onion Salad. Yum!
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Basmati Rice with Apricots and Almonds Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Goya
- 2 Tbsp slivered almonds
- ¼ cup onion minced
- 1 cup Basmati rice Goya
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Sazon with saffron Goya
- ¼ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ cup dried apricots cut into thin strips
- ¼ cup dates diced
Instructions
- In a pan heat the oil and quickly brown the almonds.
- Remove almonds from pan and set aside.
- Quickly add the onion and saute until translucent.
- Add the rice to the onions and turn over a few times until the rice is slightly golden.
- Add chicken broth, water, salt, Goya sazon, cardamom, apricots and dates.
- Turn down heat, cover and cook for about 15 minutes. Top with almonds.
Nutrition
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
I love rice dishes like this! And Goya too! I'm looking forward to try this!
Analida
Thanks Michelle!!! Goya has some pretty cool products.
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables
Yum!! I can't wait to give this a try! I'm always looking for fun sides like this!
Analida
Thanks Liz! It's a great flavor combo! Let me know how it turns out.
Kristen @A Mind Full MOm
Oh boy! I love the addition of apricots. You can never have too many side dish recipes!!
Analida
Kristen, I also think you can never have too many side dishes. 🙂
Michaela - An Affair from the Heart
Magnificent flavors going on in this rice dish!
Analida
Thanks Michaela!
Denise Wright
I love rice Analida. I've never tried this combination before but my husband loves, loves, loves apricots so he would love this too!
Analida
Oh, Denise I am so glad. I am a lover of sweet/savory combos, so this rice works well for me and my family. I hope your husband likes it too. Apricots are awesome, aren't they?
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Summer
This rice is perfection! Looks so delish ♥
summerdaisy.net
Analida
Thanks Summer! I love it too!!
Caroline | carolinescooking
I used to make rice a bit like this and it was so delicious - you've reminded me I should again. Looks great!
Analida
Thanks Caroline!!!
Joy @ Joy Love Food
I love sweet and savory rice preparations, this sounds wonderful, I will have to try it soon!
Analida
Thanks Joy! I love sweet/savory too. 🙂
Lou Lou Girls
This is so awesome! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for sharing this at our party! I always love your amazing creations. I hope to see you next Monday because we love to party with you! Happy Wenesday! Lou Lou Girls
Analida
Happy Wednesday Lou Lou girls!!!
Thanks for commenting. Yes, I would love to come to the party next Monday.
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness
What a combination! I love your brief history lesson. Very informative, thanks!
It looks delicious too 🙂
Analida
Thanks Cathleen!!! 🙂
Dee
This is such a pretty dish, and it sounds amazing too. I could just dig right in! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday. 🙂
Analida
Thanks Dee! It is so yummy. This last I made it, my husband ate it all; I only got a spoonful.