Sweet Pilaf with Raisins, Dried Apricots, and Other Dried Fruits
Bright, appetizing, very tasty, and simple to make! Sweet pilaf with raisins, dried apricots, and dried fruits can be served for lunch or dinner. Aromatic dried fruits pair wonderfully with fluffy rice and spices, making it a treat for children and adults alike.
Updated : 28 October, 2025
Easy
About 30 min.
Ingredients
250 grams
Rice
50 grams
Dried apricots
50 grams
Raisins
50 grams
Prunes
40 grams
Butter
1
Carrot
2 tablespoon
Vanilla sugar
2
Cloves
1 grams
Cinnamon
1 grams
Cardamom
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
Use special pilaf rice or regular parboiled rice. I used golden parboiled rice, which holds shape well. Sugar can be replaced with honey. Additional dried fruits like apples, pears, or cranberries can be added.
Step 2
Rinse rice thoroughly until water runs clear. Soak while preparing dried fruits. Drain before adding to the pan.
Step 3
Wash all dried fruits. Soak dried apricots and prunes in hot water for 5-7 minutes. Soaking is optional; cooking time softens them enough.
Step 4
Drain water. Cut prunes and apricots into 2-3 pieces.
Step 5
Peel and cut carrots into small pieces (2-3 medium carrots). Young carrots work especially well.
Step 6
Heat butter in a deep skillet or saucepan. Sauté carrots on low heat 5-7 minutes.
Step 7
Add sugar or honey, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook, stirring, until carrots caramelize. Spices can be adjusted to taste.
Step 8
Add raisins, apricots, and prunes to the carrots. Mix well.
Step 9
Add the rinsed rice.
Step 10
Pour in water so it covers rice by 1-2 fingers.
Step 11
Cover and simmer on low heat for ~30 minutes until water is absorbed.
Step 12
Remove from heat and stir the pilaf.
Step 13
Cover and let the sweet pilaf rest 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!