Brown Rice and Nut Dressing

Brown Rice and Nut Dressing Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Brown Rice and Nut Dressing is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of brown rice with the crunch of walnuts. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where rice and nuts are often combined to create hearty and flavorful dishes. The addition of chicken broth and seasoned salt adds depth of flavor to this classic recipe.

Ingredients

1 cup of uncooked brown rice
2.5 cups of chicken broth
1 cup of chopped onion
1 cup of chopped celery
1 clove of minced garlic
1.5 tbsp of butter or margarine
1 tsp of seasoned salt
a dash of ground black pepper
1 cup of chopped walnuts
6 baked chicken breast halves

How to prepare

Combine rice and chicken broth in a 2- to 3 qt (2.84-liter) saucepan. Heat until boiling, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
In a separate pan, cook the onion, celery, and garlic in butter until tender. Stir the mixture into the cooked rice.
Add salt, pepper, and nuts to the rice mixture and stir well.
Serve the rice as a side dish or with chicken breasts.

Variations

Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.
Substitute pecans or almonds for the walnuts.
Mix in cooked quinoa or wild rice for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the rice in chicken broth for added flavor.

- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth and omit the chicken breasts.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brown Rice and Nut Dressing as a side dish with roasted chicken or turkey. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the rice in chicken broth to infuse it with flavor.

- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty taste.

- Bake the chicken breasts separately and serve them on top of the rice for a complete meal.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option.

- Swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

- Replace the walnuts with pecans, almonds, or cashews.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve it in a decorative serving bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Brown Rice and Nut Dressing with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a sophisticated meal. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water or herbal tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brown Rice and Nut Dressing contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Brown Rice and Nut Dressing contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Brown Rice and Nut Dressing contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Brown Rice and Nut Dressing contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and dairy (margarine), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Brown Rice and Nut Dressing is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Brown Rice and Nut Dressing is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its hearty combination of brown rice, walnuts, and chicken, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Brown Rice and Nut Dressing. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals that left everyone begging for more.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her work her magic, she pulled out a tattered old recipe book from the shelf. It was filled with all sorts of handwritten recipes, passed down through generations of our family. As she flipped through the pages, she came across a recipe that caught my eye - Brown Rice and Nut Dressing.

Curious, I asked her where she had gotten the recipe from. With a twinkle in her eye, she told me a story about how she had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. This friend had traveled the world, collecting recipes from different cultures and cuisines, and had shared this particular one with my grandmother during a visit.

Intrigued by the origins of the recipe, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it. With a smile, she handed me the recipe and we set to work in the kitchen. The ingredients were simple - brown rice, mixed nuts, onions, celery, and a blend of spices. But the flavors that came together in the dish were anything but ordinary.

As we cooked, my grandmother shared stories of her own culinary adventures - the time she spent in France learning the art of pastry making, the spices she discovered in India that still lingered in her pantry, the traditional dishes she had mastered from her own heritage. Each tale added a layer of richness to the recipe we were creating together.

The aroma of the dressing filled the kitchen, mingling with the scents of herbs and spices that danced through the air. My mouth watered as I watched my grandmother expertly mix the ingredients, each movement precise and deliberate. With a final flourish, she spooned the dressing into a serving dish and placed it on the table.

I couldn't wait to taste the dish that had captured my imagination. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever experienced. The nuttiness of the brown rice, the crunch of the nuts, the sweetness of the onions - each element complemented the others perfectly, creating a symphony of tastes in my mouth.

My grandmother watched me with a knowing smile, proud of the dish we had created together. And in that moment, I realized the true magic of cooking - the ability to bring people together, to create memories that linger long after the meal is finished.

As the years passed, I made the Brown Rice and Nut Dressing countless times, each batch a tribute to my grandmother and the lessons she had imparted to me. I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the stories and traditions that had been handed down to me.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing the dish for yet another gathering of loved ones, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me. The recipe may have come from a faraway place, but the love and care that went into making it are rooted deep in my own family history.

I hope that as my guests take their first bite of the Brown Rice and Nut Dressing, they too will feel that sense of wonder that I felt all those years ago. And perhaps, as they savor the flavors and textures of the dish, they will understand the true magic of cooking - the power to connect us to our past, our present, and each other.