Apricot And Almond Stew With Rice Recipe

Indulge in this exquisite Iraqi Apricot and Almond Stew, a sweet and tangy culinary journey with roots in Iran! This family heirloom recipe features tender apricots, crunchy almonds, and a touch of sour salt for an unforgettable flavor profile. Easy to make, this comforting stew is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The recipe focuses on the stew itself; you can prepare your favorite rice (cooked traditionally or in a rice cooker) to serve alongside.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Calories 578 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Apricot And Almond Stew With Rice

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apricot And Almond Stew With Rice

  • Dried Apricots
  • 1 cup warm water (for soaking) + additional water as needed
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • Slivered Almonds
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Citric Acid
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Rice of your choice (cooked separately)

How to Make Apricot And Almond Stew With Rice

  1. Soak 1 cup (approximately 8 ounces) dried apricots in 1 cup warm water for at least 1 hour.
  2. Sauté 1 medium onion, chopped, and ½ cup slivered almonds in 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat until almonds are light golden brown and the onion is translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Add the soaked apricots (including the soaking liquid), 1 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, and the sautéed almond-onion mixture to a medium saucepan.
  4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until apricots are tender and the liquid has thickened to a stew-like consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
  5. Add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to achieve desired consistency.
  6. Stir in ¼ cup granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon sour salt (citric acid crystals). **Use caution, sour salt is potent! Start with less and add more to taste.**
  7. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Serve hot over your favorite rice.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

1 g

Sugar

285g

Fat

6g

Carbs

39g