🥦 Broccoli Cashew Rice Pilaf
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Description:
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this adapted recipe that features the wholesome goodness of broccoli! Originally discovered on allrecipes.com, this version has been customized to include a burst of freshness from broccoli, adding a vibrant twist to a classic pilaf. While the original calls for asparagus, broccoli takes the spotlight here, infusing every bite with its unique taste and texture. The richness of butter elevates the dish, so it’s recommended not to substitute it with any other fat source. Additionally, for an extra layer of depth, consider using vegetable broth instead of water, enhancing the overall aroma and taste profile of this dish.
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: White Rice, Long Grain Rice, Rice, Fruit, Vegetable, Nuts, <60 Mins, Stove Top, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 243.7
- Fat Content: 10.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 15.2mg
- Sodium Content: 105.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 32.5g
- Fiber Content: 1.6g
- Sugar Content: 1g
- Protein Content: 5.5g
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1/4 | Butter |
| 2 | Spaghetti |
| 1/4 | Onion |
| 1/2 | Garlic |
| 1 1/4 | Long-grain rice |
| 2 1/4 | Vegetable broth |
| – | Water |
| 1/2 | Broccoli floret |
| 1/2 | Cashews (halves) |
Instructions:
-
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, ensuring it evenly coats the pan with its rich flavor.
-
Increase the heat to medium, then add the spaghetti, stirring continuously until each strand is coated in the melted butter and takes on a light golden brown hue, imparting a subtle nuttiness to the dish.
-
Incorporate the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the saucepan, allowing them to sauté for approximately 2 minutes until they turn tender and aromatic, releasing their savory essence into the mix.
-
Add the long-grain rice to the pan, stirring gently to combine it with the flavorful medley of ingredients, letting it toast for about 5 minutes to enhance its nutty aroma and texture.
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Pour in the vegetable broth, infusing the mixture with depth and richness, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the overall taste profile, ensuring each spoonful bursts with flavor.
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Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover the saucepan with a lid, allowing the rice to simmer undisturbed for approximately 20 minutes, or until it becomes tender and has absorbed all the liquid, resulting in a fluffy and perfectly cooked pilaf.
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While the rice cooks, prepare the broccoli by placing it in a separate medium saucepan, covering it with enough water to submerge the florets completely, and bringing it to a boil, ensuring they are cooked until tender yet still retain a slight crunch, then drain off any excess water to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
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Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked broccoli florets and the crunchy cashew halves into the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout, infusing each spoonful with a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
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Serve the broccoli cashew rice pilaf warm, allowing its tantalizing aroma to entice your senses and its vibrant flavors to captivate your taste buds, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a satisfying standalone dish that promises to delight even the most discerning palate.
This recipe combines simplicity with sophistication, offering a delightful culinary experience that celebrates the freshness of broccoli, the richness of butter, and the crunch of cashews, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and indulgent, perfect for any occasion or gathering.
