This Moroccan pilaf is simple to make but turns out delicious every time. Basmati rice is cooked with raisins, dried fruit and spices for an unforgettable experience!

A delicious but different Mediterranean recipe with rice, mostly because of the spices used. This Moroccan rice Pilaf is made with Basmati rice, raisins and other dried fruit, almonds and spices typical of the Moroccan cuisine.

Located in Northwestern Africa, Morocco is an African country with many European and Middle Eastern influences. These influences, among other things, have formed the Moroccan cuisine, mostly known for the use of spices, couscous, lamb, fruits and nuts. If you're fond of spices and dried fruits then you're going to LOVE this Moroccan baked chicken with 11 spices!

This pilaf recipe features all these fragrant and exotic ingredients, creating a flavorful side dish that can accompany perfectly every grilled meat dish or any other main you have in mind. It is also vegan and gluten-free!

What is Moroccan rice?

Moroccan rice is a side dish made with rice which gets cooked in stock or broth with spices and some other ingredients like dried fruit and nuts. It has a nutty, slightly sweet and earthy taste which is accentuated by the combination of spices used. Sometimes it can also contain meat like chicken or lamp. You will also find it under the name Moroccan Pilaf.

So, is pilaf the same as rice?

In a word, no. Rice is most of the times cooked in water whereas, according to wikipedia pilaf is cooked in an aromatic stock or broth. Pilaf is believed to be of Persian origin and it is much more than just boiled rice, since it absorbs all the flavors and nutrients of the broth.

A Greek example of another type of pilaf is this chicken soup risotto which is usually served in Cretan weddings (the numerous rice grains symbolize abundance, fertility and good luck!).

By now, I’m sure you understand that making pilaf is not hard at all. The simplest way to do it is use any kind of broth/stock instead of water in your favorite rice recipe (check my fluffy rice every time post for tips on how to make fluffy rice every time, with no effort and no rice cooker needed).

How to make this simple Moroccan rice

1. Cook with olive oil: In this pilaf recipe, you briefly sauté an onion with some olive oil, add the spices and a fragrant rice like Basmati (jasmine rice will also do). When the spices get heated, they release all their flavor something that makes this dish deeply aromatic. Sauteing the rice will also give it a nutty taste which pairs perfectly with the rest of the ingredients. So, give it a swirl or two until you notice that it changes color and becomes more white.

2. Simmer: Add the vegetable (or chicken) stock, wait until it starts to boil and then cover the pot, reduce heat to medium/low and simmer until almost all of the liquids are absorbed.

3. Add the dried fruit. At the end of cooking, add the dried fruit and the roasted almonds (pine nuts or hazelnuts are also great), mix gently to combine and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.

This pilaf is perfect as a side dish, especially during holidays and celebrations, because all the spices, the almonds and the dried fruit give it a festive character and a rich taste!

Searching for recipes with festive character? This mint and cinnamon creamy cheesecake with matcha ganache will enthuse you!

Some notes/tips:

A pot with a glass lid works best for this recipe, since you can always check what’s going on inside.
Wait until almost all of the water is gone, turn off the heat, fluff up the rice, close the lid and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Dried fruit really add to this dish, but try not to overdo it because it can become overly sweet.
Make your own spice combinations and tell me how it turned out!

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