Brown Rice Pilaf With Dates And Carrots
A flavorful brown rice pilaf with sweet dates, carrots, and toasted almonds, perfect for a wholesome, satisfying meal suitable for vegetarians and rice lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, halved lengthwise and sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 carrot, halved lengthwise and sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup pitted dates, chopped coarse ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon rind
- 1 1/2 cups canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted lightly ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced scallion greens
- lemon juice to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy saucepan, cook the onion, the carrot, and the rice in the olive oil over moderately low heat, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Stir in the chopped dates, lemon rind, chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper; bring the liquid to a boil and simmer the mixture, covered, for 45 to 50 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the pilaf with a fork; transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds and sliced scallion greens.
- Season with lemon juice to taste before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and carrot longer before adding the rice. If you don't have brown rice, you can substitute with white rice, but reduce the cooking time. For a sweeter touch, try using dried apricots in place of dates. This pilaf pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pilaf as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a wonderful base for a grain bowl topped with sautéed vegetables. For an elevated presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or additional toasted almonds. This dish is a fantastic complement to Chicken Breast With Basil Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pilaf and microwave until warmed through, or heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brown Rice Pilaf With Dates And Carrots contains roughly 456 calories, with 11g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (228% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), and potassium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 pilaf ahead of time?
Yes, this pilaf can be prepared a day in advance. Simply cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water if needed to maintain moisture.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well and enhances the flavor without meat. You can also use water in a pinch, though it may be less flavorful. For a richer taste, homemade broth is always a great choice.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or even spinach for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add vegetables that require longer cooking, such as bell peppers.
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).