A super pomegranate flavored pilaf. Plant Based and gluten free too.
My Pomegranate Obsession
I’ve been a little obsessed with pomegranates lately.
It has to do with the fact that with Rosh Hashanah upon us, I think a lot about the symbolic foods that are eaten during the Holiday.
Pomegranate in Machaneh Yehuda – taken when I was there in 2016. Check out the size of these babies!!!
Pomegranates have a lot of symbolism.
- Pomegranates are said to have 613 Arils/seeds in each pomegranate. No…I haven’t counted…it’s symbolism. This represents the 613 mitzvot in the Torah, making it a symbol for righteousness. If you can follow all 613 mitzvot in the Torah, that would make you golden, right?
- Pomegranates are one of the seven special species in Israel.
- Pomegranates are a symbol of love and fertility – and are mentioned in Shir Hashirim*.
- Because of the season, pomegranates are often used as a “shehechiyanu” fruit on the second night of Rosh Hashanah.
- Pomegranates are one of the “simanim” used on Rosh Hashanah and the blessing “sheyirbu zechuyotenu ki’rimon” that our merits should multiply like a pomegranate is said.
*9 Jewish Things about Pomegranates from My Jewish Learning.
That makes pomegranates pretty awesome in my book!
A cut open pomegranate in Machaneh Yehuda. Do you think there are 613 arils in this one? I’m just going to assume there are and call it a day!
Pomegranate Pilaf…an easy one
I’ve been sharing quite a few pomegranate recipes lately, but of course there had to be a pomegranate rice. The recipe list just wouldn’t be complete without one.
What makes this pilaf recipe so interesting is that I add pomegranate tea to it.
Have you ever been to the open market, Machaneh Yehuda, in Jerusalem? You can find spice stores up and down the aisles. Most sell loose tea, my favorite, that is basically dehydrated fruits that are rehydrated into fruit tea when you add water.
Spices and teas at Rambam in Machaneh Yehuda.
Pomegranate tea is basically dehydrated pomegranate, and other fruits and spices, to make a delicious fruit tea.
Fruit Teas at Rambam in Machaneh Yehuda. If you go to Rambam, ask for Chaim and tell him that Sharon sent you…then ask for “Sharon’s Mix”. I promise you’ll get a smile and extra great service!
So…by adding pomegranate tea to Pomegranate Pilaf, we are able to give it an awesome boost of flavors.
I also use fragrant basmati rice, pomegranate juice and dehydrated pomegranate arils to give this pilaf so much pomegranatey flavor.
Here’s the recipe
There’s a link under the recipe for the dehydrated arils. Don’t worry if you can’t get them. Just substitute additional dehydrated cranberries. It’s nearly as good, but not quite.
SO much pomegranate flavor!!!
Pomegranate Pilaf
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Rice resting time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Grains
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Plant Based
- Diet: Kosher
Description
Pomegranate Pilaf is filled with flavor from pomegranate tea, juice and dehydrated arils. This succulent rice makes a perfect seasonal Rosh Hashanah side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 pomegranate tea bags
- 1/4 cup dehydrated pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup dehydrated cranberries (Craisins)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Additional pomegranate arils for garnish
Instructions
Place the basmati rice, water,pomegranate juice, salt, black pepper, and canola oil in a large pot.
Cut open the tea bags and add the contents to the pot. Stir to blend.
Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Allow the rice to rest for 15 minutes.
Add the pomegranate arils, dried cranberries and honey to the rice. Toss until completely blended.
Serve garnished with fresh pomegranate arils. Can be served hot or cold
Equipment
Lundberg Family Farms – California White Basmati Rice
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Bigelow Pomegranate Pizzazz Herbal Tea Bags
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Naturevibe Botanicals Dry Pomegranate Seeds (Anardana), 3.5 ounce |
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POM Wonderful Pomegranate Juice
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If you don’t have dehydrated pomegranate arils, you can substitute and additional 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 20.2 g
- Sodium: 85.3 mg
- Fat: 2.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35.2 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Pomegranate, Pilaf, Side Dish, Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashana, Plant Based, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Nut Free
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SHABBOS UNDER PRESSURE
One of the fabulous prizes in the Rosh Hashanah 2021 Giveaway was my Electric Pressure Cooker cookbook! It’s got a ton of great, delicious and super quick recipes that are perfect for Rosh Hashanah!
Like…
Traditional Chicken Soup, Gefilte Fish, Pomegranate Chicken, Coca Cola Roast, Hot Tamale Apples and much much more!
Here’s a link!
MORE FABULOUS ROSH HASHANAH RECIPES
Here are some links to more wonderful Rosh Hashanah recipes!
- Honey Pomegranate Salmon
- Frozen Apple Sorbet
- Cinnamon Roll Challah
- Kale Pomegranate and Mango Salad with Honey Pomegranate Dressing
- Brown Sugar Meringue with Apple Filling
- Honey Ginger Rainbow Carrot Roses
- Challah Birds with Apple Honey Nests
- Golden Beets with Mandarin Oranges
- Apple Pie Parfaits
- Shredded Carrot Kugel Muffins
- Traditional Tzimmes
- Impossible Stuffed Cabbage
What recipes would you like to see for this upcoming Rosh Hashanah? I’d love to get your feedback?
What are you making for the Holiday?
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