Almond and raisin rice dish is a delicious and nutritious recipe that combines the goodness of rice with the rich flavors of almonds and raisins. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also adds a delightful twist to your regular rice dishes.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a scrumptious side dish, almond and raisin rice is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, steps to prepare, and the health benefits of including almonds and raisins in your diet.

Ingredients

To prepare almond and raisin rice dish, you will need the following ingredients:.

2 cups of Basmati rice
1 cup of almonds
1 cup of raisins
2 tablespoons of ghee
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
2 cardamom pods
Salt to taste
A pinch of saffron strands
Chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Preparation

Follow the steps below to prepare the almond and raisin rice dish:.

Step 1: Rinse the Rice

Wash the Basmati rice thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps in achieving perfectly cooked and fluffy rice.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

In a pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee over medium heat. Add the almonds to the pan and toast them until they turn golden brown and aromatic. Remove the almonds from the pan and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of ghee. Once the ghee is heated, add the cumin seeds, ginger-garlic paste, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté the mixture until it becomes fragrant and the cumin seeds start to crackle.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Gently stir the rice to coat it evenly with the spices. Add salt to taste and mix well. Pour enough water into the pan to completely cover the rice. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to low.

Step 5: Add the Almonds and Raisins

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Fluff the rice gently with a fork and add the toasted almonds and raisins. Mix them into the rice until they are well distributed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the almond and raisin rice dish to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. The dish is now ready to be served hot alongside your favorite main course or as a standalone meal.

Health Benefits of Almonds and Raisins

Including almonds and raisins in your diet offers numerous health benefits. Let’s take a look at some of them:.

1. Almonds

Almonds are packed with nutrients including healthy fats, protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are known to promote heart health, aid in weight management, and support brain function.

Almonds are also a great source of antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress.

2. Raisins

Raisins are a concentrated source of energy, packed with natural sugars and fiber. They are rich in antioxidants and essential minerals such as iron and potassium.

Consuming raisins regularly can contribute to improved digestion, bone health, and reduced risk of anemia.