Sweet Rice (Azerbaijani Sweet Pilaf)

Who said that sweet dishes have to be desserts? In Azerbaijan Sweet Pilaf with dried fruit is served on its own or as a side dish. My Mom used to make this Sweet Rice for lunch and we loved it as kids. My siblings and would pick out the raisins and count who got the most on their plate. We loved them!

I've found this dish to be a great lunch food. It reheats well and holds all of the wonderful fruity and cinnamon flavors. You can also make this for a pot luck and surprise your friends with a simple dish from the Caucasus! You'll love it for the simple ingredients and easy method of cooking.

Serves 4

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 oz (1/2 stick) butter (or vegan butter) 
• 1/2 cup walnuts, halves
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried diced papaya
• 1/2 cup dried apricots
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 5 tbsp hot water
• 1 tbsp honey (or agave nectar) 

1. Cook basmati rice in a rice cooker. Keep warm. 

2. Over medium heat melt the butter in a large skillet. Add walnuts and saute them constantly stirring for 4-5 minutes.

3. Rinse raisins, papaya, and apricots. Make sure you remove all of the hard stems. Add all dried fruit to the skillet. Saute the fruit with the walnuts for 5 more minutes. Add cinnamon and stir well. Add 5 tablespoons of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a low, cover with a lid, and cook for 5 more minutes. Add rice and mix everything well. Cover with a lid and cook for the final 5 more minutes. 

4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add honey or agave nectar. Serve hot.