Orange Cinnamon Rice Pilaf
Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and aromatic Orange Cinnamon Rice Pilaf, a fragrant medley of basmati rice infused with freshly squeezed orange juice, zesty orange peel, and the warm spice of a cinnamon stick. Toasted slivered almonds and sweet golden raisins add delightful textures and flavors, while a garnish of fresh parsley brings a touch of brightness. Sautéed onions give the pilaf a savory base, and a hint of black pepper balances the sweetness for a well-rounded dish. Perfect as a side for roast chicken, grilled fish, or a festive vegetarian spread, this pilaf is a unique twist on a classic, ready in just 35 minutes. Easy, elegant, and bursting with citrusy warmth, it’s a must-try for your next dinner menu!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 0.25 cup toasted slivered almonds
- 0.25 cup raisins
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Add the drained basmati rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the oil and onions. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly golden.
Pour in the water and orange juice, then add the orange zest, cinnamon stick, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat and allow the rice to sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This helps the rice steam and become fluffy.
Remove the lid and discard the cinnamon stick. Gently fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the toasted slivered almonds and raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the pilaf.
Transfer the Orange Cinnamon Rice Pilaf to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
825 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.1 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1212 mg | 53% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 98.3 g | 36% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.9 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 30.4 g | ||
| Protein | 15.4 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 202 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 724 mg | 15% | |
*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.
