Apple Rice
A comforting rice dish featuring tender apples and warm cinnamon, perfect for cozy meals and suitable for breakfast or dessert with a fruity, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine apples, orange juice, butter or margarine, salt, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the pre-cooked rice.
- Cover the saucepan and remove from heat.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of orange juice. If you're looking to reduce calories, you can substitute the butter with a light cooking spray. For added texture, try mixing in some chopped nuts or raisins. This dish can also be made with other fruits like pears or peaches for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Apple Rice as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or pork for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad like Lazy Woman Salad for a lighter option. For breakfast, enjoy it warm topped with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of granola.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Rice contains roughly 399 calories, with 9g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2273mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of pre-cooked rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so prepare it separately according to package instructions and then mix it with the apple mixture at the end.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
For the best flavor, use sweet-tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith. These varieties hold their shape well when cooked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or oil, and ensure the rice is not cooked with any animal products. This will make the dish suitable for vegan diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).