Using the pilaf cooking method to make this Red Rice Recipe with Grapes and Pistachios brings out the natural nuttiness in rice; this recipe features a balance of sweet and savory flavors, as well as various contrasting textures.

When I lived in the Middle East, I learned the pilaf method of cooking rice. In this method, before cooking rice is soaked in tepid water to remove the excess starch, and is then toasted in ghee (clarified butter). Sometimes onion and/or small thin pasta is also toasted along with the rice (think Rice a Roni-style). The rice is cooked in salted water or seasoned chicken broth, which lends depth of flavor. Once you try rice prepared this way, you’ll be surprised at how flavorful it can be. (I included several rice recipes that use the pilaf cooking method in my cookbook.)…