Description
This buttery rice pilaf with dried cranberries and slivered almonds is a delightful and easy-to-make side dish that combines the nutty flavor of toasted almonds with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries. Perfect for holiday meals or as a flavorful accompaniment to any main course, this recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup converted white rice
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (reserve a bit of the tops for garnish)
- 3/4 cup chicken stock
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Toast almonds: Add the slivered almonds to a skillet over medium heat and cook until they are lightly browned and toasted. Remove the almonds from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook rice and onions: In the same skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the converted white rice and sliced green onions, and cook until the rice is lightly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken stock and water, then increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking.
- Combine cranberries and almonds: Stir in the toasted almonds and dried cranberries, then cook for another 5 minutes or until the liquid is completely absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the pilaf with the reserved green onion tops if desired, and serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock for a lower sodium dish.
- Rinsing rice before cooking can make the grains fluffier.
- To add extra flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of orange juice with the cranberries.
- Make sure to toast the almonds carefully to avoid burning, which can cause bitterness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 76 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 11 mg
