Madeira Rice With Peas And Almonds
Madeira Rice with peas and almonds offers a rich, nutty flavor complemented by the sweetness of Madeira wine, perfect for elegant dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, melt 1 teaspoon butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and stir for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Add 2 tablespoons butter to the saucepan and sauté chopped onions until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in Madeira wine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice, condensed chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.
- Stir in frozen peas, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Sprinkle with toasted almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you want a nut-free version, you can replace almonds with sunflower seeds. For added texture, include some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers. Adjust the salt depending on the saltiness of the broth. Keep an eye on the rice to prevent overcooking, as it can become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Madeira Rice with Peas and Almonds as a delightful side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad, such as Mediterranean Artichoke-Chicken-Rice Salad. The nutty flavor complements chicken recipes beautifully, making it a versatile addition to your dining table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave until warmed through, or heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Madeira Rice With Peas And Almonds contains roughly 733 calories, with 23g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1299mg per serving (56% 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 other types of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute converted-style rice with long-grain or jasmine rice. However, cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly. Just make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch for a fluffier result.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the butter, using olive oil or a plant-based butter instead. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
To increase protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. This addition makes it a more filling main dish rather than just a side.
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).