Bulgur Pilaf with Dried Fruits

Place apricots and currants in a bowl and cover with boiling water; set aside to plump. Bring broth to a simmer and set aside.

Heat oil in a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, 2 to 4 minutes. Add bulgur and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the hot broth, cinnamon, bay leaf and allspice. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until the bulgur is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan almost constantly, until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.

When the bulgur is tender, discard the cinnamon stick, if using, and the bay leaf. Drain the dried fruits and add to the pilaf, along with parsley or mint and the toasted pine nuts. Fluff the pilaf with a fork and season with salt and pepper.