Vegetarian Palaw (Afghan Rice Pilaf)

Experience the vibrant flavors of Afghan cuisine with this Vegetarian Palaw, a fragrant rice pilaf that's as satisfying as it is beautiful. Made with fluffy basmati rice simmered in savory vegetable broth, this dish is infused with warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin for an irresistible aroma. Sweet raisins and toasted slivered almonds provide delightful bursts of texture and flavor, while tender carrots, peas, and caramelized onions add wholesome richness. Finished with a fresh sprinkle of cilantro, this vegetarian rice dish comes together in just one pot, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve this Afghan-inspired recipe as a showstopping main course or alongside your favorite side dishes for a hearty, plant-based feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 2 medium, julienned carrots
• 1 large, finely sliced onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 cup, chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Step 1

Rinse basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin seeds, ground coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.

Step 4

Add the julienned carrots and peas to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the carrots are tender.

Step 5

Add the drained basmati rice to the pot and stir to combine with the sautéed mixture.

Step 6

Pour the vegetable broth over the rice and stir briefly. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and raisins, toasting them until the almonds are golden and the raisins are plump, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 9

Once the rice is cooked, gently fluff it with a fork. Add the toasted almonds and raisins to the rice and gently mix them in.

Step 10

Garnish the Vegetarian Palaw with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1957.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2678.2

Total Fat 119.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4201.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 363.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 48.9g	0%
Total Sugars 143.8g
Protein 74.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 749.8mg	0%
Iron 24.5mg	0%
Potassium 4896.7mg	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: 38.0%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 51.5%