Looking for an exotic, aromatic and flavorful dish? This rice with dates, raisins and pistachios will win you over with its balanced combination of sweet and salty, contrasting textures and unmistakable oriental notes. It's a simple yet sophisticated recipe, perfect for a refined vegan lunch or dinner.
Ingredients for 4 servings
- 3 cups basmati rice
- 2 pieces star anise
- 4 cardamom pods
- 2 peppercorns
- 1-2 cloves
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, lightly crushed
- 2-3 strands of real saffron
- 1 large white onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of liquid honey
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 10 firm dates (e.g. Deglet Nour)
- 3 tablespoons raisins
- 50 g roasted pistachios, peeled
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- A splash of fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons of almond flakes
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Preparation method
1. Boiling rice
In a large saucepan, add the basmati rice along with the star anise, cardamom, allspice, mace , cloves, coriander seeds, and saffron threads. Pour in water according to the package directions and let the rice simmer until fully cooked. Once done, remove the spices and set aside.
2. Caramelizing the onion
While the rice is cooking, peel the onion and cut it into thin strips. Finely chop the garlic. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion for about 5 minutes, until golden and soft. Add the garlic and liquid honey, then stir constantly for another 2 minutes, until everything is nicely caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the onion from the pan and set aside.
3. Preparing rice with dates and raisins
Cut the dates into small pieces and shell the pistachios. In the same pan where you caramelized the onions, add the remaining vegetable oil and quickly fry the cooked rice. Sprinkle with the turmeric and ground cumin, then add the chopped dates and raisins. Cook everything over medium heat for a few minutes so that the flavors blend perfectly.
4. Finishing the preparation
Just before serving, add the caramelized onions over the rice and toss gently. Drizzle with fresh orange juice and season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with flaked almonds, sesame seeds, and toasted pistachios for a crunchy contrast and extra flavor.
Tips and variations for oriental rice with dates
For extra freshness, add fresh coriander or chopped parsley before serving.
If you want a more intense nutty flavor, lightly toast the almond flakes and sesame seeds before sprinkling them over the rice.
You can add fresh mint for a refreshing and contrasting note.
Why is this preparation special?
This oriental rice with dates is not only delicious, but also extremely nutritious. Cardamom, star anise and coriander support digestion, while dates and raisins provide a natural sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy flavors. Pistachios and almonds complete the texture – delicately crunchy, while also providing healthy fats and protein.
Ideal as a vegan main course, this dish can also be served with grilled vegetables, crispy chickpeas or marinated tofu. It is an excellent choice for those who want to combine balanced nutrition with the pleasure of authentic oriental taste.
Try it and enjoy a true feast of flavors! You can find the ideal dates for this dish on Far&Fresh – always fresh, organic and full of flavor!
