Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Orange Raisin Rice Blend, a delightful medley of wild and white rice infused with the refreshing flavors of orange juice and zest. Sweet bursts of plump raisins pair beautifully with warm notes of cinnamon, while a touch of butter adds richness to each bite. This easy-to-make recipe is cooked to tender perfection in just one pot and can be topped with toasted slivered almonds for added crunch and fresh parsley for a pop of color. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners alike, this colorful and aromatic dish will impress your family and guests with its unique balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Rinse the wild rice and white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice, water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, add the white rice to the saucepan, along with orange juice, orange zest, raisins, and another 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently to combine.
Replace the lid and continue to simmer on low heat for an additional 20 minutes, or until both types of rice are tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Turn off the heat and add the butter and cinnamon to the rice mixture. Fluff the rice with a fork to evenly distribute the butter and spices.
If using slivered almonds, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir them into the rice blend.
Transfer the rice to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Calories |
1064 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.2 g | 50% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.1 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 66 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 1372 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 169.7 g | 62% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.5 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 63.9 g | ||
| Protein | 23.9 g | 48% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 197 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 4.2 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 1332 mg | 28% | |
*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.