Mimi'S Rice
Mimi's Rice offers a flavorful blend of wild and white rice enhanced with pine nuts, raisins, and a hint of coconut rum, perfect for a comforting and aromatic side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly brown the pine nuts in the skillet.
- Add cooked wild rice, cooked white rice, and raisins to the skillet.
- Mix everything together with the browned pine nuts.
- Pour in the coconut rum.
- Cook over low to medium heat, stirring to combine well.
- Season with thyme, salt, and white pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the raisins in the skillet briefly before adding the rice mixture. If you don't have coconut rum, you can substitute with a splash of pineapple juice or omit it altogether. If you prefer a nuttier flavor, try using toasted almond slivers instead of pine nuts. Adjust the amount of thyme powder to your taste; fresh thyme can also be used for a more vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Mimi's Rice makes a delightful side dish for grilled chicken or fish. Pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to complement the flavors. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a protein-rich dish like roasted chickpeas or lentils, which are great vegetarian recipes to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist while reheating. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mimi'S Rice contains roughly 499 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 790mg per serving (34% 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 make Mimi's Rice ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mimi's Rice in advance. Cook and cool the rice mixture, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
If you don't have wild rice, you can use brown rice or a mixture of other whole grains like quinoa or farro. While the texture and flavor will differ slightly, these grains will still provide a hearty base for the dish. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the grain you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
To make Mimi's Rice vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil. Ensure that the coconut rum you use is vegan-friendly, as some brands may contain animal products. The dish will still be flavorful and satisfying without compromising on taste.
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).