Rice With Shrimp, Raisins And Walnuts
A flavorful rice dish featuring tender shrimp, sweet raisins, crunchy walnuts, and aromatic saffron, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the rice once.
- Cook the rice with 4 1/2 cups water, 3 tablespoons butter, and 1 teaspoon salt until water is mostly gone.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 30 minutes until rice is done.
- Saute the sliced onion in vegetable oil until golden.
- Add the peeled and cleaned shrimp and cook for a few minutes until they turn pink.
- Add walnuts and raisins to the shrimp mixture and stir.
- Season with salt, pepper, and saffron if using.
- Remove from heat.
- Spread a layer of cooked rice on a large flat dish.
- Top with a layer of the shrimp mixture.
- Gently mix the layers together.
- Repeat layering and mixing until all is combined on the platter.
- Serve fresh.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in lemon juice and garlic before cooking. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. For a touch of freshness, incorporate some chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
Serving Suggestions
This rice dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of tzatziki or a citrus-based dressing to enhance the flavors. For a Mediterranean twist, consider serving alongside grilled vegetables or a light seafood dish such as Shrimp Pasta Dijonnaise.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice and microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Shrimp, Raisins And Walnuts contains roughly 824 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% 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 frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. A quick method is to place them in a bowl of cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before adding to the skillet for the best texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or grilled vegetables. You can enhance the flavor by adding vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the rice and using extra spices to complement the dish.
What type of rice works best for this dish?
Basmati rice is preferred for its fluffy texture and aromatic flavor, but you can also use jasmine rice or long-grain rice as alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the water-to-rice ratio according to the type of rice you choose for optimal cooking.
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).