Sweet Potato & Rice Recipe- Lebanese 7-Spice & Cranberry Pilaf

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Potato & Rice Recipe – Lebanese 7-Spice & Cranberry Pilaf

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this pilaf! It’s a little bit unexpected, a little bit cozy, and totally delicious. I first made this when I was craving something warm and flavorful, but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet potato, fragrant rice, and that incredible Lebanese 7-spice blend just… works. It’s become a regular in my rotation, especially when I want a side dish that feels a little special. This recipe serves 2, takes about 45 minutes total, and is surprisingly easy to pull off – even on a weeknight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average rice dish. The roasted sweet potato adds a lovely sweetness and texture, while the Lebanese 7-spice brings a warm, aromatic complexity. The cranberries offer a little tartness, and the mint brightens everything up. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, using the Instant Pot makes the rice part a breeze!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

• 1 whole sweet potato
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 0.5 cup onion
• 0.5 cup brown rice
• 1 cup water
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 cup dried cranberries
• 2 sprigs mint
• 0.5 lemon (juice)
• 0.5 teaspoon Lebanese 7 spice seasoning

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Sweet Potato Varieties: I prefer using garnet or jewel sweet potatoes for this recipe – they roast beautifully and have a lovely sweetness. But honestly, any kind will work!
• Olive Oil Choices & Quality: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is best for both roasting and sautéing. It adds a lovely flavor.
• The Significance of Cumin & Cumin Seeds in Indian Cuisine: Cumin is a cornerstone of Indian cooking! The seeds, toasted, offer a deeper, earthier flavor than the ground spice. We use both here for layers of complexity.
• Chili Powder – Regional Variations & Heat Levels: Chili powder can vary a lot in heat. I use a mild Kashmiri chili powder for a gentle warmth, but feel free to adjust to your preference.
• Lebanese 7-Spice Blend: A Unique Flavor Profile: This blend is amazing! It typically includes allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and ginger. It’s a little sweet, a little savory, and totally addictive.
• Brown Rice vs. White Rice: Nutritional Benefits & Texture: I love using brown rice for the added fiber and nutty flavor. It takes a little longer to cook, but it’s worth it! You can use white rice if you’re short on time, but reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Roast the Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Cut the sweet potato into wedges, toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Roast for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Rice: While the sweet potato is roasting, set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add 1 teaspoon olive oil and cumin seeds. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, around 5 minutes.
3. Pressure Cook: Add the brown rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Then, let it naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
4. Bring it Together: Stir in the lemon juice and Lebanese 7-spice blend into the cooked rice. Gently mix in the roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries, and chopped mint leaves.
5. Serve: Serve warm! It’s lovely on its own, or alongside a salad or soup.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

• Roasting Sweet Potatoes to Perfection: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! This ensures the sweet potatoes roast evenly and get nice and crispy.
• Achieving Fluffy Rice in the Instant Pot: Don’t peek! Let the natural pressure release do its thing. It’s key to perfectly cooked rice.
• Balancing Flavors: The Role of Lemon Juice: The lemon juice brightens everything up and cuts through the richness. Don’t skip it!

Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment (Mild to Spicy): Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add a kick.
• Festival Adaptation: Thanksgiving or Diwali Side Dish: This would be a beautiful addition to a festive spread! My aunt always adds a handful of chopped pecans for a little extra crunch during Thanksgiving.

Serving Suggestions

This pilaf is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost
• A simple yogurt sauce for dipping

Storage Instructions

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is Lebanese 7-spice blend, and where can I find it? It’s a fragrant spice blend commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. You can find it at most well-stocked spice shops, Middle Eastern grocery stores, or online.
• Can I use a different type of rice for this pilaf? Yes, you can! White rice will cook much faster (about 12 minutes on high pressure in the Instant Pot). Quinoa also works well.
• How can I adjust the sweetness of this dish? If you prefer a less sweet pilaf, use a less sweet variety of sweet potato or reduce the amount of cranberries.
• Can this be made ahead of time? You can roast the sweet potatoes and cook the rice ahead of time. Store them separately and combine everything just before serving.
• What are some good protein pairings for this Sweet Potato & Rice Pilaf? Grilled halloumi, spiced lentils, or even a simple baked tofu would be delicious!