Turkish Apricot Pulao / Pilaf/ Pulav

                            A rich and simple rice pulao/pilaf with a   Mediterranean flair . Cooked rice are saute'd in butter with a bit of spices, caramelized yellow onions, pistachios, almonds, pine nuts, golden raisins and dried apricots. This gives a nice real crunch and slightly sweet taste to this pulao which makes it versatile from other rice pilafs.

Ingredients

• Long grain Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Boiling Water - 2 cups
• Garlic - 1 clove  chopped
• Yellow onion - 2 tbsp chopped
• Cumin powder -  1 pinch
• Cinnamon Powder - 1 pinch
• Butter - 2 tbsp
• Apricots - 2 tbsp chopped
• Pistachios- 2 tbsp 
• Almond - 2 tbsp
• Golden Raisins - 10 nos
• Pine nuts - 2 tbsp
• Fresh parsley leaves - 1 tbsp chopped
• Salt

Method

1. Clean and wash the rice well.
2. Soak the rice for 20 minute in normal water.
3. Cook rice with enough salt by adding  boiling water .
4. Heat a pan in  and add 2 tbsp butter .
5. Saute  chopped garlic, onions and saute till  translucent brown. Add cinnamon and cumin powder.
6. Add sliced dried fruits and nuts and mix well
7. Add the cooked rice and gently mix without breaking the rice.
8. Cover and keep in low flame for 5 minute.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves.
10. Serve with any Middle Eastern dishes.

Notes

1. To prevent rice from sticking to each other, add  1 tsp oil and lemon juice while cooking rice.
2. You can add any dried fruits of nuts to your choice.