Description: Discover the authentic recipe for Shirin Pilaf, a traditional sweet rice pilaf made with a blend of fragrant basmati rice, dried fruits, and nuts. Perfect as a delightful Afghan dessert or a special side dish, this easy-to-follow recipe brings a touch of exotic flavor to your table. Ideal for festive occasions or a sweet treat. Learn how to make this flavorful and aromatic dish today!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes

- 4 cups water

- 1/2 cup sugar

- 1/4 cup ghee or butter

- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped

- 1/2 cup raisins

- 1/2 cup almonds, blanched and slivered

- 1/4 cup pistachios, slivered

- 1/4 cup orange zest

- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm water

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

- A pinch of salt

- Rose water (optional)

Instructions:

Cook the Rice:In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the soaked rice. Cook the rice until it's about 80% done (the grains should be soft but still have a slight bite to them). Drain the rice and set aside.

Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts:

 - In a large pan, melt the ghee or butter over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and pistachios. Sauté until they are golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  - In the same pan, add the chopped dried apricots and raisins. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are plump and slightly caramelized. Remove and set aside.

Flavor the Rice:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, saffron water, ground cardamom, and cinnamon. Stir in the orange zest.

  - Gently fold the cooked rice into this mixture, ensuring that the rice is evenly coated with the spices and saffron.

Assemble the Pilaf:

  - In a large pot, layer the rice with the sautéed dried fruits and nuts. Start with a layer of rice, followed by a layer of fruits and nuts, and repeat until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of rice on top.

  - Cover the pot and cook on very low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the rice to steam and absorb all the flavors.

Serve:

  - Once the rice is fully cooked and fragrant, fluff it gently with a fork. Sprinkle a few drops of rose water over the top if desired.

  - Serve the Shirin Pilaf warm, garnished with additional nuts and orange zest.

Enjoy your Shirin Pilaf as a delightful dessert or a special side dish!

Nutritional Values:

Basmati Rice (2 cups):

  - Calories: 340 kcal per cup (680 kcal for 2 cups)

  - Carbohydrates: 74.5g per cup (149g total)

  - Protein: 7.5g per cup (15g total)

  - Fat: 0.5g per cup (1g total)

  - Fiber: 1g per cup (2g total)

Benefits: Basmati rice is a good source of energy and contains essential nutrients like folate. It’s low in fat and sodium, making it a heart-healthy grain.

Sugar (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 387 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 100g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits: While sugar adds sweetness and energy, it should be consumed in moderation. It quickly provides energy to the body but can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.

Ghee or Butter (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 204 kcal

  - Fat: 23g

  - Saturated Fat: 14g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Ghee is rich in healthy fats that support digestion, and it contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. It's also believed to help in reducing inflammation.

Dried Apricots (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 156 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 40g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fiber: 4.8g

  - Sugar: 32g

Benefits: Dried apricots are high in dietary fiber, aiding in digestion. They are also rich in vitamins A and C, which promote healthy skin and immune function.

Raisins (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 217 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 57g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fiber: 3g

  - Sugar: 42g

Benefits: Raisins are packed with natural sugars and provide quick energy. They also contain antioxidants and fiber, which help in digestion and protect against oxidative stress.

Almonds (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: 415 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 15g

  - Protein: 15g

  - Fat: 35g

  - Fiber: 8g

Benefits: Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrients, providing healthy fats, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins like vitamin E. They are great for heart health, brain function, and skin care.

Pistachios (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 172 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 8.6g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Fiber: 3g

Benefits: Pistachios are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein. They help in maintaining heart health, promoting weight management, and providing antioxidants.

Orange Zest (1/4 cup):

  - Calories: 15 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 4g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0.2g

Benefits: Orange zest is high in vitamin C and contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties. It supports immune function and adds a burst of flavor without extra calories.

Saffron (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 2 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4g

  - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits: Saffron is known for its antioxidant properties and is believed to improve mood, memory, and heart health. It’s also used for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 9 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0.4g

Benefits: Cardamom aids in digestion and has antimicrobial properties. It's also believed to help in controlling blood pressure and improving oral health.

Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fiber: 1g

  - Protein: 0.1g

Benefits: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports heart health.

Rose Water (optional, a few drops):

  - Calories: Minimal

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal

Benefits: Rose water has calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It's also known to improve skin health and digestion.

Combined Nutritional Overview:

- Total Calories: Approximately 2,263 kcal (based on portion sizes and ingredient quantities)

- Carbohydrates: 363g

- Protein: 40.7g

- Fat: 87g

- Fiber: 22g