Rice Casserole With Dill, Pine Nuts And Tomatoes(Makes 4 To 6 Servings)
A hearty rice casserole featuring fragrant dill, toasted pine nuts, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for comforting family meals with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, cut in 1/2-inch squares ⓘ
- 1 large carrot, quartered lengthwise and chopped ⓘ
- 3 small ribs celery, cut in 1/2-inch pieces ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dill seed ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 c. uncooked long-grain brown rice ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 c. currants or raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 c. toasted pine nuts or almonds ⓘ
- lemon wedges ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Lightly oil an 8 x 10-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onion, green pepper, chopped carrot, celery pieces, minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, dill seed, and half the chopped parsley.
- Saute over medium-high heat for 6 minutes.
- Add brown sugar, paprika, salt, and uncooked rice; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, water, and currants or raisins; bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, cover, and bake until rice is tender, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Toss with toasted pine nuts or almonds and remaining parsley.
- Garnish with lemon wedges and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the brown rice with quinoa for a quicker cooking time. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic or omit the dill seed. Toasting the pine nuts beforehand enhances their flavor, but almonds can be used as a nut alternative. Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rice casserole alongside a fresh salad, such as Vegetable Marinade Salad, for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with lemon wedges to brighten the flavors. For a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast, consider serving it with Tabbouleh or a side of Marinated Mushrooms And Artichokes for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to maintain moisture, cover, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This dish also freezes well; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Casserole With Dill, Pine Nuts And Tomatoes(Makes 4 To 6 Servings) contains roughly 457 calories, with 13g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value), iron (80% of the Daily Value), and potassium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1408mg per serving (61% 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 this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven, and you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
Is this dish suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This rice casserole is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the ingredients, such as the broth or any added seasonings, are also vegan-friendly. It's a wholesome option for anyone looking for vegan recipes.
What can I substitute for pine nuts?
If you're allergic to pine nuts or can't find them, toasted almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutes. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version, or add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
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).