Spiced Rice Pilaf with Apples and Raisins

By Becky Hardin

Published May 10, 2019

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I think rice pilaf makes a great side dish for any meal, but in this recipe, I’ve taken it up a notch and added cinnamon, apples, and raisins for a truly tasty dish worthy of even a holiday dinner. I like to pair this Spiced Rice Pilaf with Apples and Raisins with hearty grilled mains for the perfect balance. Ready in about 20 minutes, this fruity and flavorful side is perfect for a busy weeknight, but fancy enough for a celebratory meal.

Fun and Fruity Spiced Rice Pilaf

When I’m looking for a fun and flavorful side dish for a holiday meal or dinner, this Spiced Rice Pilaf recipe is exactly what I make. I take rice and mix it with cinnamon, apples, raisins, allspice, onion, and more, for a dish that turns out a little bit sweet and a little bit savory, perfect for any occasion. I just love this combination of flavors and textures, plus it’s easy to make too!

Using simple pantry staples, this rice pilaf is an ideal go-to when I’m looking for an easy weekday side. Ready in about 20 minutes, it pairs well with just about anything, and I can even meal prep it so it’s ready to go in just minutes. It’s also ideal when I’m looking for a simple side to pair with all my more elaborate holiday main favorites.

Tips for Beginners

• Let the rice toast. Give the rice 6-8 minutes to toast so it develops a nutty flavor. Also, coating the grains in the oil and butter mixture helps keep the grains from turning mushy.
• Other apple varieties will work. You can substitute the variety of apple, but I find Gala and Granny Smith hold their shape well once cooked. I also like the sweet yet tart flavor they add.
• Soak the raisins. If you find your raisins are dry, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes so they plump up. Drain well before adding them to the rice.

Recipe Card

Rice Pilaf with Apples and Raisins

Difficulty: Easy

4.79 from 14 votes

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Author: Becky Hardin

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Rice Pilaf with Apples and Raisins features rice mixed with cinnamon, apples, raisins, allspice, onion, and more, for a delicious dish that can be served on any occasion.

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Ingredients 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 medium yellow onion about 1 cup, diced
• ▢ 1 Gala or Granny Smith apple cored and diced
• ▢ 1½ cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
• ▢ 2½ cups chicken stock or water
• ▢ ½ cup golden raisins
• ▢ 1½ tsp kosher salt
• ▢ ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ▢ ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ▢ ½ tsp dried thyme
• ▢ ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions 

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add butter and stir until it melts.
  2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• Add diced onion and apple; sauté until onion is translucent and apple and onion are tender, 5-6 minutes.
  1 medium yellow onion, 1 Gala or Granny Smith apple
• Add rice and stir often until lightly browned; 6-8 minutes.
  1½ cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
• Add remaining ingredients and stir. Bring to a boil.
  2½ cups chicken stock or water, ½ cup golden raisins, 1½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp ground allspice, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp dried thyme, ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Reduce heat, cover and simmer about 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
• Fluff with a fork, serve, and enjoy.

Becky’s Tips

• Toasting the rice in butter and oil adds a nutty flavor and helps prevent it from turning mushy, so don’t skimp on this step. 
• Other varieties of apple will work, but Gala and Granny Smith hold their shape well and add a sweet yet tart flavor.
• Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes, so they plump up and get juicy.  
• Store leftovers in the fridge for 2-3 days. 

Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 547mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 65IUVitamin C: 2.5mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 0.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Store

Leftover spiced rice pilaf with apples and raisins will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

Make Ahead

To get a head start on this rice pilaf, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead of time.

Reheat

Reheat the rice over the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the rice gets too dry, add a touch of stock to loosen it up.

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing this fruity rice pilaf with hearty mains like this juicy and flavorful roasted pork shoulder, these tender and juicy garlic butter steak bites, or this melt-in-your-mouth Denver steak. This recipe makes enough servings for my family of 4 for dinner with leftovers for lunch the next day. I find the amount is perfect when I serve it with a few other sides and my favorite holiday mains.

More Rice Recipes To Try

• This Instant Pot Basmati Rice turns out soft, fluffy, and ready to eat in 25 minutes.
• For this Garlic Rice, I use grated and sliced garlic for double the flavor, and the butter and broth make it fluffy and rich.
• This Easy Mexican Rice is cooked with Mexican spices and topped with cheese and cilantro.

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