Pine Nut and Sesame Pilaf Armenia

Embark on a culinary journey to Armenia with this Pine Nut and Sesame Pilaf, a fragrant and hearty dish that redefines comfort food. This recipe marries fluffy long-grain rice with the warm, aromatic spices of cinnamon and allspice, creating a deeply satisfying base. The crunch of toasted pine nuts and nutty sesame seeds adds texture and richness, while finely sautéed onions melt into the dish for a savory depth of flavor. Cooked in flavorful vegetable broth and topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this pilaf is an elegant yet simple side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or can even stand alone as a light, vegetarian main course. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this Armenian-inspired pilaf is a must-try for food enthusiasts seeking global flavors and comforting textures.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the pine nuts to the pan and toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.

Step 4

Sprinkle in the sesame seeds and continue to toast for another 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let them burn.

Step 5

Add the ground allspice and cinnamon, stirring to coat the onion and nut mixture evenly with the spices.

Step 6

Mix in the drained rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the grains are well-coated with the aromatic butter and spices.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 9

Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 10

Transfer the pilaf to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1202.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1241.7

Total Fat 64.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 18.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.8g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2882.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.5g	0%
Total Sugars 16.7g
Protein 30.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 204.1mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 1882.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.0%

Protein: 9.4%

Carbs: 45.6%