Infuse your meal with vibrant citrus flavor by making this Fresh Orange Rice, a delightful fusion of bright ingredients and aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with freshly squeezed orange juice, zesty orange peel, and a hint of ground cinnamon for subtle warmth. Toasted sliced almonds add a satisfying crunch, while a garnish of fresh parsley and optional orange segments elevates the presentation. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, Fresh Orange Rice offers a refreshing twist on traditional rice dishes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pan. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the ground cinnamon and cook for another 30 seconds to release its flavor.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the garlic and cinnamon mixture. Stir to coat the rice evenly.
Pour in the fresh orange juice and sprinkle in the orange zest. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes over medium heat until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Season the rice with salt to taste and mix in the toasted sliced almonds for a crunchy texture.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the rice. If desired, garnish with fresh orange segments for an extra burst of citrus.
Serve warm as a side dish or as a light main course. Enjoy!
Calories |
878 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.9 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.5 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1202 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 107.0 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.7 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.6 g | ||
| Protein | 15.4 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 239 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 4.7 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1071 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.