Persian Beef Mince and Apricot Pilaf
Spiced ground beef and dried apricots are layered with fluffy basmati rice in this Persian-style pilaf, where warm spices like cinnamon and cumin meet the sweetness of fruit and the crunch of toasted nuts. It's a complete one-pot meal that's ready in roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Cutting board
- Chefs Knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed thoroughly under cold water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef 85% lean preferred
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice optional, for extra warmth
- ½ cup dried apricots chopped into small pieces
- ¼ cup slivered almonds lightly toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add rinsed basmati rice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let steam, covered, for 5 more minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F / 190°C). Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until golden and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pan. Break it up with your spoon and cook for about 5–6 minutes until fully browned with crispy edges forming. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Spices and Fruit: Sprinkle in cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat. Add chopped dried apricots and mix through. Cook another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld and apricots soften slightly.
- Combine with Rice: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and fold into the beef mixture gently. Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle slivered almonds and fresh mint-cilantro blend over the top. Serve hot, preferably on a wide, shallow platter for an authentic touch.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils or minced mushrooms instead of beef.
- Saffron-infused water can be drizzled over the rice before serving for an authentic and aromatic upgrade.
- Substitute prunes or golden raisins if apricots are unavailable.
Nutrition
Calories: 572kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 27gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 664mgPotassium: 708mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 715IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 4mg
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