"Bread And Circus" Rice
A vibrant, nutty rice salad featuring dried fruits, fresh herbs, and a flavorful curry-ginger dressing, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 c. uncooked brown rice ⓘ
- 1 c. unsalted cashews ⓘ
- 1 c. red pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. raisins, soaked in water for 20 minutes ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. teriyaki or soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. dried apricots, soaked in water for 20 minutes, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. olive oil
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. curry powder ⓘ
- 1 bunch scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- dash of cinnamon ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the brown rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
- Place the cooled rice in a large bowl.
- Pour the teriyaki or soy sauce over the rice and toss lightly to combine.
- Add the cashews, chopped red peppers, soaked raisins, chopped apricots, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and chopped scallions; toss gently to mix.
- In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the dry mustard, curry powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon to the oil.
- Whisk until the spices are well blended into the oil.
- Remove from heat and let the dressing cool slightly.
- Whisk the dressing again and pour it over the rice mixture.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider roasting the red peppers before chopping them. You can substitute the brown rice with quinoa for a quicker cooking time. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using honey or maple syrup in place of the teriyaki or soy sauce. Also, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas to enhance the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is great served warm or cold and can be a hearty main or a side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled swordfish Sicilian style for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh basil and tomato salad. Garnish with extra parsley or scallions for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice mixture and microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a bit of oil if necessary to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Bread And Circus" Rice contains roughly 759 calories, with 15g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this rice dish a day in advance. Just follow the recipe, store it in the refrigerator, and allow the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, either enjoy it cold or warm it up as mentioned in the storage section.
What can I use instead of cashews?
If you're allergic to cashews or prefer a different nut, you can use almonds or walnuts as substitutes. For a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds provide a similar crunch without the allergens.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! To make it more filling, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas. This will turn the dish into a complete meal while still maintaining its flavor and texture.
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).