Sweet and Savory Fruited Rice Pilaf with Toasted Almonds
Fruited Rice Pilaf Recipe: A Delightful Blend of Flavor and Texture
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the warm, earthy tones of rice pilaf with the delightful sweetness of dried fruits in this Fruited Rice Pilaf recipe, a wonderful offering from Woman’s World that is sure to captivate your taste buds. Perfect for potlucks or as a comforting side dish, this pilaf not only showcases a beautiful array of colors but also brings a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to impress both family and friends. Let us dive into the ingredients, nutritional information, and the step-by-step instructions to create this delightful dish in under an hour.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Recipe Category | Rice |
| Description | A delightful combination of rice pilaf and mixed dried fruit, ideal for any gathering or a comforting family meal. |
Keywords
- Fruit
- Potluck
- Ready in under 60 minutes
Ingredients
The success of any dish lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Below is the comprehensive list of ingredients you will need to prepare the Fruited Rice Pilaf.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 2 tablespoons |
| Scallions | 2 (sliced) |
| Herbes De Provence | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Chicken broth | 1 ½ cups |
| Red bell pepper | 1 (chopped) |
| Rice pilaf mix | 1 package (about 6 ounces) |
| Dried mixed fruit | 1 cup |
| Frozen peas | 1 cup |
| Sliced almonds | 2/3 cup |
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here is the nutritional breakdown per serving of the Fruited Rice Pilaf, making it easier to plan your meals accordingly.
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 126.5 |
| Total Fat | 8.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 15.3 mg |
| Sodium | 489.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugars | 3.3 g |
| Protein | 5.8 g |
Instructions
The preparation of the Fruited Rice Pilaf is straightforward, yet it involves steps that enhance the flavors of each component. Follow these detailed instructions to create a dish that is both satisfying and memorable.
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Prepare the Almonds: Begin by placing a skillet over medium heat, allowing it to warm up for a moment before adding the sliced almonds. Stir them frequently, toasting them until they are lightly browned, which should take approximately 5 minutes. This step enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the final dish. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside, ensuring they remain warm.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of margarine over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, incorporate the sliced scallions, keeping in mind to reserve about 1 tablespoon of the green tops for garnish later. Add the herbes de Provence and salt to the mixture, stirring gently. Cook this mixture until the liquid from the mushrooms has nearly evaporated, which should take about 5 minutes. The goal is to create a flavorful base that will infuse the rice pilaf with aromatic goodness.
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Combine with Broth: In a separate pot, bring 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the mushroom mixture from the skillet, along with the chopped red bell pepper, 1 cup of dried mixed fruit, and the rice pilaf mix. Don’t forget to include the seasoning packet that typically accompanies the rice mix, as this will provide an essential flavor boost. Bring this entire mixture back to a boil.
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Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while the rice absorbs the savory broth.
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Add Peas and Finish Cooking: After 15 minutes, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. Carefully add 1 cup of frozen peas and the reserved sliced scallion greens to the pot. Do not stir; instead, cover the pot once more and allow it to cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. During this time, the peas will heat through, and the rice will finish absorbing the remaining liquid, ensuring that the final dish is perfectly fluffy.
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Rest and Serve: Once the liquid is nearly absorbed, remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the rice to firm up slightly, making it easier to fluff with a fork. After resting, gently fluff the rice pilaf with a fork, transferring it to a serving bowl. Finally, sprinkle the toasted almonds on top along with the remaining sliced scallions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
With its vibrant colors and enticing flavors, this Fruited Rice Pilaf makes a fantastic addition to any meal, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a festive potluck, or as a comforting side dish for a weeknight dinner. The combination of earthy rice, sweet fruits, and crunchy almonds creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy this delicious recipe and make it a staple in your culinary repertoire at lovewithrecipes.com!
