Easy Rice Almond Pilaf
A flavorful rice pilaf with toasted almonds and savory onion soup, perfect as a side dish for family dinners or gatherings, offering a nutty and umami taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, combine margarine and slivered almonds. Saute until almonds are slightly brown.
- Add water, rice, Lipton golden onion soup mix, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and continue cooking for 20 minutes or until all water is absorbed.
- Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider toasting the rice in the skillet with the almonds before adding water. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the margarine or butter with olive oil. Additionally, swap out the slivered almonds for chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to various American recipes or even vegan recipes by using plant-based margarine.
Serving Suggestions
This rice almond pilaf can be served as a delicious side dish to complement grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Sue'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, add a fresh salad or steamed vegetables alongside it to balance the flavors and textures on your plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover rice almond pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to the rice and microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Rice Almond Pilaf contains roughly 491 calories, with 6g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% 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 white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Typically, brown rice takes about 40-45 minutes to cook. Make sure to adjust the water accordingly, as brown rice usually needs more liquid than white rice.
What can I add to make this dish more protein-rich?
To increase the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pilaf. These additions will not only boost the protein but also enhance the flavor and heartiness of the dish.
Can I prepare this pilaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the pilaf ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or for serving at gatherings.
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).