Best 11 Armenian Pilaf Recipes

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Armenian pilaf, also known as "Harissa", is a delectable and versatile dish that holds a special place in Armenian cuisine. It is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish cooked with a variety of ingredients, including aromatic spices, tender meat, and vibrant vegetables. The history of Armenian pilaf is deeply rooted in the country's rich culinary traditions, with variations found across different regions. Whether you're looking for a hearty meal to share with loved ones or a comforting dish to savor on a cozy evening, Armenian pilaf offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will surely delight your palate.

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF WITH RAISINS AND ALMONDS



Armenian Rice Pilaf With Raisins and Almonds image

This traditional Armenian rice pilaf has been passed down through the generations of Christine Vartanian Datian's family. Peas, parsley and allspice have been added to the original for extra flavor and color.

Provided by Tara Parker-Pope

Time 45m

Yield Serves 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 11

5-6 tablespoons butter
4-5 ounces dried vermicelli or egg noodles
2 cups long-grain white rice
1 quart fat-skimmed vegetable, chicken or turkey broth
1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon white or black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds
1/2 cup coarsely chopped golden or black raisins
1/2 cup frozen petite peas (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Steps:

  • In a 5- to 6-quart pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Break or crush the vermicelli into 1-inch lengths. Add the pasta and rice to the butter and stir often until golden, about 5-8 minutes, being careful not to burn the vermicelli.
  • Add the broth, allspice and salt and pepper. Bring to a full boil over high heat, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until rice is tender to bite, about 20 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in a sauté pan over medium heat, melt remaining 1 or 2 tablespoons butter. Add the almonds and stir often until golden, about 5 minutes. Add the raisins and stir until they puff, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir peas if using, parsley and lemon juice into rice. Cover and simmer until peas are hot, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour pilaf into a serving bowl or on a platter and sprinkle with the raisin and nut mixture over the top. (Diced dried dates, figs, apricots or chopped walnuts may also be used in this topping.)

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 573, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 14 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 551 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams, TransFat 0 grams

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF



Armenian Rice Pilaf image

This is a staple of Armenian homes and is always a favorite with everyone. Very easy to prepare and delicious with any meal, especially poultry. I serve this rice with breaded, baked chicken quarters.

Provided by 5lilblessings

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

½ cup butter
1 ½ cups uncooked fine egg noodles
3 cups uncooked long grain white rice
5 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
4 cubes chicken bouillon

Steps:

  • Melt butter in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the egg noodles and stir until they begin to brown, being careful not to burn the butter. Stir in the rice. Continue stirring until rice is coated with butter.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and add the bouillon cubes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Cook without uncovering pot until all the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 535.4 calories, Carbohydrate 84.9 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Fat 16.8 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 9.2 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Sodium 1976.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

ARMENIAN PILAF



Armenian Pilaf image

"My grandfather was born in Armenia in the mid-1800's" Susan Lederer relates from her home in Fallon, Nevada. "This pilaf recipe is adapted from one he brought to this country. At our house, it's a standard with shish kabobs and chicken dishes.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup bulgur
1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup uncooked broken vermicelli (1-inch pieces)
2 tablespoons butter
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1/3 cup water
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

Steps:

  • In a large nonstick skillet, saute the onion, bulgur, rice and vermicelli in butter for 6-7 minutes or until golden brown. Add the broth, water and oregano; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts :

AUNTIE'S ARMENIAN RICE PILAF



Auntie's Armenian Rice Pilaf image

Being of Armenian descent, I was raised on foods from that region of the world, and pilaf was one on which the children in my family cut their teeth. I never even knew rice was white until I was 17 years old as we always ate pilaf. My brothers and I had no grandmother to teach us, but we did have our great-aunt, our grandfather's sister, who filled that role, and passed-down the recipes from our ancestors to us, and now I prepare them for my own children. This pilaf recipe is it: just pilaf. Nothing fancy, no mushrooms, nor shallots or onions or pine nuts. It was our staple. We ate it with stroganoffs poured over the top, with grilled burgers on Saturday afternoons in the long, hot Summers in Long Island and then Southern California, with my mother's wonderful roasts on Sunday nights. It was the perfect side with Shish Kebob on Christmas day, and alongside our Thanksgiving turkey. This is the recipe for pilaf as Auntie taught us.

Provided by Rosie Posie 88

Categories     Medium Grain Rice

Time 35m

Yield 4 cups, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup vermicelli
1 cup rice
2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth, preferably homemade, heated till boiling
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Steps:

  • In 2-qt. heavy saucepan with tight-fitting lid, melt butter over medium heat until foam subsides.
  • Add vermicelli noodles and saute until dark and reddish in color.
  • Stir in rice and saute in butter until rice is fragrant and nutty in aroma.
  • Raise heat to medium-high; pour in boiling chicken broth and stir.
  • Add salt and pepper, tasting a bit of the broth to ensure desired seasoning.
  • Cover and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce heat to keep broth at a simmer and cook for exactly 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, remove cover and taste a few grains of rice for doneness. If still a bit hard, replace cover and cook for two additional minutes.
  • When rice is tender, remove pot from heat. Place a paper napkin directly on top of the pilaf and replace cover; let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
  • After rest-time has elapsed, remove cover, discard the paper napkin, and stir the pilaf before serving.

GRANDMA'S ARMENIAN RICE PILAF



Grandma's Armenian Rice Pilaf image

This recipe is my grandmother's. She came from Armenia and it has been in our family for years. We all still make it and it is so easy.

Provided by Michele

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 43m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
3 ½ cups chicken broth
¼ cup butter
½ cup crushed Italian vermicelli (very thin noodles)
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Soak rice in a bowl of water for 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large saucepan.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add vermicelli; cook and stir until brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add rice; cook and stir until combined, about 1 minute. Pour into boiling broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
  • Season rice with salt and pepper; fluff with a fork.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.1 calories, Carbohydrate 65.9 g, Cholesterol 34.9 mg, Fat 12.7 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 7.7 g, SaturatedFat 7.5 g, Sodium 964.6 mg, Sugar 1.4 g

ARMENIAN PILAF



Armenian Pilaf image

Armenian rice pilaf is a perfect rice side dish for any number of dishes.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Pasta and Grains     Rice Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/3 cup broken pieces egg vermicelli
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
3 cups basmati or other long-grain white rice
4 1/2 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
2 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt

Steps:

  • Toast pasta in a medium saucepan over medium heat until deep golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add butter, and let melt. Add rice, and stir in stock and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and let simmer, covered, until liquid has been absorbed and rice is tender, about 16 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

ARMENIAN PILAF



Armenian Pilaf image

This is a recipe that I have been making since I was a teenager. My Step-Father was Armenian, and we ate this pilaf often, with our evening meal. It has a great buttery flavor, and can be made with either brown rice or long grain, white rice. It's YUMMY either way. I learned to make it with just butter. However, using a combination of oil and butter, helps to keep smoking and burning to a minimum, while still imparting the great buttery taste. I have also made it with just olive oil, and also with a combination of butter and olive oil. Of course, the flavor is slightly different. I think it has the best flavor, when made with just 3 Tbsp of butter (no oil), but it is healthier with the butter/oil combination, and healthiest with 2 Tbsp oil and no butter.

Provided by Devonviolet

Categories     White Rice

Time 40m

Yield 3 cups, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
2 ounces vermicelli (May substitute Angel Hair Pasta)
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon safflower oil (Olive oil may be used, but may taste slightly different)
3 cups organic chicken broth (unsalted)
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Put the butter and oil in a medium sauce pan. Break Vermicelli into two inch pieces and place in butter.
  • Heat the butter, oil and Vermicelli, on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the Vermicelli is golden brown. During this time, the butter and oil will foam. This is fine, just keep stirring until all of the Vermicelli is golden brown.
  • Pour the chicken broth into the pan, which will stop the frying of the Vermicelli.
  • Add rice, and continue to heat, until the broth starts to boil.
  • Cover the pan, with a tightly fitting lid, lower heat, to lowest temp, and allow to simmer for 20 minutes, without stirring or lifting the lid.
  • After 20 minutes, stir rice mixture, and recover. Allow to sit another 10-15 minutes. When the liquid is fully absorbed, it is ready to serve.

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF WITH MUSHROOMS



Armenian Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms image

I got this from an Armenian girl who works in my bank. If you substitute margarine for the butter you have a good vegan meal.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup butter
1 medium onion, minced
1 cup mushroom, thickly sliced
1 small green pepper
1 medium tomatoes, peeled,seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 cup basmati rice, uncooked
1/4 teaspoon turmeric or 1/4 teaspoon saffron
1 3/4 cups vegetable broth or 1 3/4 cups stock
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, , for garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • In a heavy saucepan or casserole, melt the butter over moderate heat.
  • Add the onion, mushrooms and sliced green pepper and cook gently until they begin to soften.
  • Stir in the tomato together with the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Now add the rice and the turmeric or powdered saffron, and cook 2 minutes until grains are thoroughly coated with butter but not browned, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the broth (stock), sprinkle with salt and bring to a boil, stirring.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover and simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender but still firm to the bite-- not mushy.
  • Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
  • Spoon onto a heated serving platter, being careful not to mash it, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF



Armenian Rice Pilaf image

Very simple but delicious rice dish. You can add currants or nuts to make it fancy. If using canned chicken broth, use one can plus water to make the two cups.

Provided by manushag

Categories     Long Grain Rice

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup Uncle Ben's converted brand rice
2 tablespoons orzo pasta or 2 tablespoons skinny noodles
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • Heat oil and brown orzo.
  • Add rice and stir, coating rice with oil so grains will be fluffy when cooked.
  • Add chicken broth, salt and pepper. Broth should taste a little salty.
  • Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes or until all broth is absorbed. Add currants and nuts if desired.
  • Add butter and stir.

ARMENIAN WEDDING PILAF



Armenian Wedding Pilaf image

This is my favorite type of pilaf similar to what my mother makes. You can customize it to your own taste.

Provided by Brian121

Categories     European

Time 20m

Yield 5-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 1/2 cups Uncle Ben's converted brand rice
1/4 cup butter
3 cups water or 3 cups chicken broth
2 cups total of your favorite dried fruits (I use pine nuts, apricots, slivered almonds, currants and golden raisins) or 2 cups nuts, chopped into small pieces customize this part as you wish (I use pine nuts, apricots, slivered almonds, currants and golden raisins)

Steps:

  • Put rice and broth into a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer. Cover until the liquid is gone (about 20 min).
  • In a saute pan, melt the butter and add the dried fruit and nuts. Be careful not to burn the butter.
  • When the rice is done, put it in a large bowl and top it with the fruit and nut mixture.
  • Optionally, you may want to toast the nuts in a dry pan to help bring out more of their flavor.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 189.7, Fat 9.5, SaturatedFat 5.9, Cholesterol 24.4, Sodium 88.2, Carbohydrate 23.5, Fiber 0.5, Protein 2.3

ARMENIAN RICE PILAF



ARMENIAN RICE PILAF image

Categories     Rice     Side     Steam     Vegetarian

Yield 4-6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 cup Mahatma basmati rice
1 can chicken broth with water added to get it to 2 cups
1-2 tbs. butter
1/2 c. FINE egg noodles

Steps:

  • melt butter, add egg noodles and saute over medium heat until golden, stirring frequently. Add broth and rice and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low about 15-20 mins. Remove from heat, let sit for about 10 mins. Fluff with fork and serve

Tips for Making Armenian Pilaf

Use high-quality rice. Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, is best for pilaf because it cooks up light and fluffy. Rinse the rice before cooking. This will remove the starch from the rice and help it cook evenly. Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. This will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add aromatics to the rice. Aromatics, such as onions, garlic, and carrots, will add flavor to the pilaf. Use a flavorful broth. Chicken broth or vegetable broth are both good choices for pilaf. Cook the rice over low heat. This will help to prevent the rice from overcooking and becoming mushy. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. This will help to separate the grains of rice and make the pilaf light and fluffy.

Conclusion

Armenian pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables. Pilaf can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a convenient meal option for busy weeknights. With its complex flavors and textures, pilaf is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Tips for Making Armenian Pilaf

  • Use high-quality long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove starch.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to evenly distribute heat and prevent sticking.
  • Add aromatics like onions, garlic, and carrots for flavor.
  • Use a flavorful broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, for added taste.
  • Cook the rice over low heat to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains.

Conclusion

Armenian pilaf is a delectable and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. Its combination of flavorful ingredients and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser. With its ease of preparation and adaptability to various tastes, pilaf is an excellent option for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you prefer a traditional Armenian pilaf recipe or a more personalized version, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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