Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 & grains 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear, then drain.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (5 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep basmati rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sumac-Infused Lemon Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds?

Middle Eastern rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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