Fruited Rice Pilaf
A fragrant rice pilaf featuring raisins and basil, perfect as a side dish for poultry or vegetarian meals, combining savory and sweet flavors in a comforting presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in butter.
- Stir in long grain white rice, raisins, chicken broth, and basil.
- Bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting some of the chicken broth with white wine or vegetable broth. You can also add toasted nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for extra crunch. If you prefer a sweeter profile, mix in chopped dried apricots or cranberries along with the raisins. Adjust the basil to your taste or try fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve fruited rice pilaf as a delightful side dish with chicken recipes, such as Lemon Honey Mustard Chicken, or as a vegetarian main. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Mediterranean recipes to complement the flavors and add variety to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fruited rice pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the rice in a saucepan or microwave, and heat gently, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. This will help revive the texture without drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruited Rice Pilaf contains roughly 381 calories, with 11g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), protein (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruited rice pilaf ahead of time. Cook it as directed and let it cool before storing it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat as mentioned and enjoy the flavors that blend even more after a day.
What can I use instead of raisins?
If you don't have raisins on hand, you can substitute with other dried fruits like currants, chopped dates, or dried apricots. Each will lend a unique sweetness to the dish and enhance its overall flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, this fruited rice pilaf is naturally gluten-free as it primarily uses rice and other gluten-free ingredients. Just make sure that the chicken broth you use is labeled gluten-free, and you're all set for a delicious gluten-free meal.
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).