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Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Delicious Cranberry Rice Pilaf for Cozy Home Dinners

This Cranberry Rice Pilaf is a quick and uplifting dish, perfect as a side or main course for any dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Healthy Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pilaf
  • 1 cup long-grain rice rinsing removes excess starch for a fluffier texture
  • 2 cups vegetable broth low-sodium options give you more control over flavor
  • ½ cup dried cranberries the star of the show, adding a sweet-tart pop
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans for a delightful crunch; substitute with sunflower seeds for nut allergies
  • 1 small onion, chopped provides savory depth to the dish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil essential for sautéing and flavor infusion
  • Salt enhances overall taste; adjust to preference
  • Pepper adds a little kick; freshly ground is best for flavor

Equipment

  • medium pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Rice Pilaf
  1. Begin by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain rice under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This process helps to remove excess starch, promoting a fluffier texture.
  2. In a medium pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir the rinsed rice into the pot with the sautéed onions and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth along with ½ cup of dried cranberries, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
  5. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, which should take approximately 4-5 minutes.
  6. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes with the lid on.
  8. Using a fork, gently fluff the rice in the pot to separate the grains.
  9. Finally, stir in ¼ cup of chopped pecans just before serving for added crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 6gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Cranberry Rice Pilaf can be served warm as a side dish or a main entrée, perfect for elevating any meal!

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