Rice Stuffing With Pine Nuts And Rosemary
A fragrant rice stuffing with toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs, and rosemary, perfect for poultry or baked as a savory side dish, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. unconverted long-grain rice ⓘ
- 2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 stick (1/4 c.) unsalted butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 tsp. crumbled dried rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 c. canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 c. additional chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. thinly sliced scallion greens
- 1 c. minced fresh parsley leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large kettle, bring 6 quarts of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Add the rice and cook until water returns to a boil, then boil for 10 minutes.
- Drain the rice in a large colander over boiling water and steam, covered with a kitchen towel and the lid, for 15 minutes until fluffy and dry.
- Let the rice cool completely, then transfer to a large bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
- In a skillet, cook the onion in the butter over moderately low heat until softened.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped rosemary and 1/2 cup chicken broth.
- Add the onion mixture, scallion greens, parsley, pine nuts, salt, and pepper to the rice and stir until well combined.
- Let the mixture cool completely before stuffing.
- Alternatively, spoon the stuffing into a shallow baking dish, moisten with an additional 3/4 cup broth, cover, and bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider toasting the pine nuts before mixing them with the rice. If you don't have fresh rosemary, dried rosemary works well; just use a smaller amount. You can also substitute the parsley with fresh cilantro for a different taste. If you're looking for a heartier dish, add cooked sausage or chicken to the stuffing mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffing pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey and makes an excellent side dish for holiday meals. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting dinner, try it with chicken recipes like Crusty Chicken Casserole or American recipes featuring baked meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the stuffing moist, cover, and warm in the oven at 325°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Stuffing With Pine Nuts And Rosemary contains roughly 436 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1193mg per serving (52% 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 stuffing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Complete the recipe up to the point of stuffing or baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before baking, and add extra broth if needed for moisture.
What can I substitute for pine nuts?
If pine nuts are unavailable, you can use chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Each alternative will impart a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of regular chicken broth, which may contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free broth and verify that your rice is certified gluten-free. Always check labels when cooking for those with gluten sensitivities.
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).