Spiced beef mince pilaf
Discover the delight of Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf, a flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired dish featuring savory ground beef, aromatic spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin, and a medley of dried fruits and nuts. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is combined with tender minced beef, dried apricots, pine nuts, and pistachios, then garnished with fresh spearmint and parsley for a burst of freshness. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this pilaf is a must-try for any dinner occasion!
Cook time 30 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil1 onion
4 cups water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried coriander
2 cups basmati rice
1/3 cup dried apricots
10 oz ground beef (80/20%)
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup spearmint
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup pistachio nuts
Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf is a delicious and aromatic dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with well-seasoned ground beef and a mix of dried fruits and nuts. This Middle Eastern-inspired recipe is rich in flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Chop the dried apricots, fresh spearmint, and fresh parsley.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, then set aside.
- Chop the pistachio nuts.
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
- Add 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried coriander to the pot.
- Stir well to coat the onions with the spices.
- Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pot and stir to combine the rice with the spices and onion.
- Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the chopped dried apricots.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- While the rice is cooking, in a separate pan, cook 10 oz ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through.
- Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces.
- Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the beef.
- Once the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed, remove the pot from heat.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the pot with the rice.
- Add 1 tsp salt and stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Gently fold in the toasted pine nuts and chopped pistachio nuts.
- Add the chopped spearmint and parsley, and stir until evenly distributed.
- Remove the cinnamon stick from the pot before serving.
- Serve the spiced beef mince pilaf hot, garnished with extra fresh herbs and nuts if desired.
Tips:
- Toast the pine nuts and pistachio nuts gently in a dry pan until they are golden for an added depth of flavor.
- For an extra layer of aroma, consider adding a clove or a couple of cardamom pods along with the cinnamon stick.
- Soak the basmati rice in water for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and results in long, fluffy grains.
- Ensure the dried apricots are chopped into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the pilaf.
- Use fresh herbs if possible – they provide a burst of freshness that dried herbs can't quite replicate.
- Let the pilaf rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and for any excess moisture to be absorbed.
This Spiced Beef Mince Pilaf offers a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors, with a wonderful variety of textures from the nuts and dried fruits. It's an impressive yet straightforward dish that can become a staple in your home-cooked meal repertoire.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 570kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 5g
Sugar 11g
Fat 36g
More recipes
Pumpkin and spinach crustless quiche
Healthy, hearty, and gluten-free, it's an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or any meal of the day.
02 Jun 2025Fried lamb kibbeh
Ideal for appetizers or main courses, this easy-to-follow guide will help you create a classic favorite that will delight your taste buds.
18 Mar 2025Whole-wheat fettuccine alfredo with parmesan and butter
Perfect for a nutritious yet decadent meal that's ready to impress.
02 Apr 2025Ham and cheese chicken roll-ups
Paired with nutritious broccoli spears, this is a delicious and wholesome meal that's perfect for any night of the week.
17 Mar 2025Vegan tofu chili
Easy to prepare and packed with protein, it’s a nourishing choice for chili lovers seeking a vegan twist.
04 Sep 2025