Holiday Red Rice
A festive red rice dish featuring sweet cranberry sauce, chopped apples, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings and family dinners with a burst of seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring the cranberry sauce, water, minute rice, sugar, and cinnamon to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Just before serving, add chopped apples and oleo, and stir to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the chopped apples with pears or even dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. If you're short on time, you can use instant rice instead of Minute rice. Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference, especially if using a sweeter cranberry sauce. Adding a bit of orange zest can enhance the holiday flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This Holiday Red Rice makes a fantastic side dish for festive meals, pairing wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. Serve it alongside dishes like Butterless, Eggless, Milkless Fruit Cake for a complete holiday experience. Garnish with additional chopped apples or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help prevent the rice from drying out during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Red Rice contains roughly 555 calories, with 6g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. It also contributes 6g 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 recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the apples and oleo just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful. This makes it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the oleo with a plant-based butter or oil to make this recipe vegan. The flavor will still be delicious, and it will cater to those following vegan recipes.
What can I serve with Holiday Red Rice?
This dish pairs well with a variety of mains, including roasted turkey or glazed ham. It can also complement a holiday vegetarian spread, making it versatile for different dietary preferences.
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).