Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-04 · Updated 2026-05-04

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

Fluffy basmati rice cooked with aromatic sumac and lemon, finished with toasted almonds and fresh herbs for a bright, textured side dish. This Middle Eastern-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs basmati rice, water, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 1/2 cups basmati rice
3 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp ground sumac
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup sliced almonds
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/3 cup sliced almonds and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove almonds and set aside.
Step 3: In the same saucepan, add the drained rice and 1 1/2 tbsp ground sumac, stirring to coat the grains for 1 minute until aromatic.
Step 4: Add 3 cups water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
Step 5: Remove from heat and let rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork, then gently fold in toasted almonds, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve warm.