Looking for a delightful side dish that brings a touch of sweetness to your meal? This rice pilaf with cranberries is a perfect choice. With its fluffy grains and bursts of tart cranberries, it’s a dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a simple family gathering, this pilaf is sure to impress your guests.
This recipe transforms ordinary rice into an aromatic, flavorful dish. Each bite offers a wonderful contrast of earthy spices and the delightful tang of cranberries, making it an ideal accompaniment to roasted meats or a vegetarian feast.
Imagine the warm, inviting aroma of sautéed onions and garlic mingling with fragrant rice and sweet cranberries. It’s a comforting dish that’s both easy to prepare and visually appealing, making it a standout at any table.
Delicious Rice Pilaf with Cranberries
This rice pilaf is a harmonious blend of fluffy rice, sautéed onions, and sweet-tart cranberries, seasoned with aromatic spices. It’s a warm, satisfying dish that balances savory and sweet flavors, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds or walnuts, toasted (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toast the Rice: Add the rice to the pot, stirring to coat it with the oil and spices. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Simmer: Pour in the broth, add the cranberries, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff and Serve: Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in fresh parsley and toasted nuts if using. Serve warm as a side dish.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
