Name: Indian-Spiced Rice Pilaf with Dates and Parsley
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups basmati rice or long-grain rice; 2 1/4 cups water; 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt; ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 small onion , minced (about 1/2 cup); 2 medium cloves garlic , minced; 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom; 1/4 cup chopped dates; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Why This Recipe Works

We wanted to discover the best way of handling and cooking the rice for the best rice pilaf recipe. We found that while an overnight soak wasn’t necessary, rinsing fragrant basmati rice before cooking gave us beautiful separated grains. Instead of the traditional ratio of 1:2 for rice and water, we preferred just 1 2/3 cups water for each cup of rice. Sautéing the rice in 3 tablespoons of butter for just one minute gave our pilaf recipe great flavor.

Before You Begin

If you like, olive oil can be substituted for the butter depending on what you are serving with the pilaf. Soaking the rice overnight in water results in more tender, separate grains. If you'd like to try it, add enough water to cover the rice by 1 inch after the rinsing process in step 1, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it stand at room temperature 8 to 24 hours; reduce the amount of water to cook the rice to 2 cups. For the most evenly cooked rice, use a wide-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.

Instructions

Place rice in medium bowl and add enough water to cover by 2 inches; using hands, gently swish grains to release excess starch. Carefully pour off water, leaving rice in bowl. Repeat four to five times, until water runs almost clear. Using a colander or fine mesh strainer, drain water from rice; place colander over bowl and set aside.

Bring 2 1/4 cups water to boil, covered, in small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add salt and season with pepper; cover to keep hot. Meanwhile, heat butter in large saucepan over medium heat until foam begins to subside; add onion and sauté until softened but not browned, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom to sautéed onion; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds longer. Add rice and stir to coat grains with butter; cook until edges of rice grains begin to turn translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir hot seasoned water into rice; return to boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all liquid is absorbed, about 16-18 minutes. Off heat, remove lid, add dates and parsley (do not mix in), and place kitchen towel folded in half over saucepan; replace lid. Let stand 10 minutes; fluff rice with fork and serve.