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Savory Cranberry Pecan Rice Pilaf

savory cranberry pecan rice pilaf - featured image

A festive and flavorful side dish featuring fluffy rice, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups (500ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup (60g) dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (200g) of long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups (500ml) of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
  3. While the rice is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons (28g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  5. Add 1/2 cup (60g) of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup (60g) of chopped pecans to the skillet. Toast lightly for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  6. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
  7. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Finish with 2 tablespoons (8g) of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Rinse the rice to ensure a fluffy texture.’, ‘Toast the pecans to enhance their nutty flavor.’, ‘Add dried cranberries during the sautéing step to soften them slightly.’, ‘Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.’, ‘If the pilaf looks too dry, add a splash of broth while stirring.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: holiday recipe, rice pilaf, cranberry pecan, Thanksgiving side dish, Christmas side dish