Start by heating the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Stir in the turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds to release their essential oils and enhance their flavors.
Add the Basmati rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the grains with the aromatic mixture. Toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to add a lovely nutty flavor.
Pour in the veggie broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from heat. Gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the raisins, olives, and chopped pistachios. Allow the pilaf to sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Before serving, fold in the freshly chopped cilantro and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer your Mediterranean Rice Pilaf to a serving dish, and enjoy!
