Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping

Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the sweet and spicy taste of cinnamon apples. This recipe is perfect for a cozy breakfast or a satisfying dessert.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on a classic comfort food dish. Brown rice has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, known for its health benefits and versatility. The addition of cinnamon apples adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to the dish, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1 20 oz (567 g) can of sliced apples
0.25 cup of seedless raisins
0.5 cup of firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 tsp of ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp of salt
2 to 3 tsp of cornstarch
2 tbsp of water
1 tbsp of butter or margarine
3 to 4 cups of hot cooked brown rice
1.5 to 2 cups of light cream or half and half

How to prepare

Drain the apples. If necessary, add water to the juice to make 0.5 cup.
Combine the apples, juice, raisins, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender, stirring occasionally.
Dissolve the cornstarch in water. Add it to the apples.
Cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the juice is clear and thickened.
Add butter and stir until melted. Ladle the mixture over rice and serve with cream.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or granola for extra crunch.
Use different fruits, such as pears or peaches, for a unique flavor twist.
Experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, for a more complex taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the apples well before adding them to the saucepan to prevent the topping from becoming too watery.

- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.

- For a creamier texture, use half and half instead of milk.

- Serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping as a warm and comforting breakfast dish or a satisfying dessert. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the apple mixture slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Stir the cornstarch mixture constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

- Keep the rice hot until ready to serve to ensure a warm and comforting dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use white rice or quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture.

- Substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative to half and half.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the apple topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving over hot rice.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping in individual bowls for a cozy and inviting presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of apple cider or a warm mug of spiced chai tea for a delightful flavor combination. Enjoy it with a side of yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping contains approximately 300 calories. Be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your calorie intake.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 5 grams of fat. The fat content comes primarily from the margarine used in the recipe. Be mindful of portion sizes if you are watching your fat intake.

Proteins

This dish contains minimal protein, with only about 2 grams per serving. Consider adding a protein-rich side dish or topping to round out your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. The apples in this recipe provide vitamin C and dietary fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (margarine and half and half) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies. Be sure to check ingredient labels for potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping is a moderately nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal.

Summary

Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the nutty flavor of brown rice with the sweet and spicy taste of cinnamon apples. Enjoy it for breakfast or dessert for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a crisp autumn day, the kind of day where the leaves were turning shades of red and gold, and there was a chill in the air that hinted at the coming winter. I had just come back from the farmer's market with a bag full of fresh apples, their sweet scent filling the kitchen as I sorted through them.

As I was putting away the groceries, I came across an old recipe book that had belonged to my mother. It was a weathered old thing, with yellowed pages and stains from years of use. I flipped through the pages, my fingers tracing the familiar handwriting of my mother's recipes. And that's when I stumbled upon a recipe for Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping.

The recipe was simple and straightforward, but something about it caught my eye. I could almost taste the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples mingling with the nutty richness of brown rice. It was a dish that seemed to encapsulate everything I loved about cooking - the way simple ingredients could come together to create something truly special.

I knew I had to give it a try. So I gathered the ingredients - brown rice, apples, cinnamon, sugar, and a bit of butter - and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped the apples and simmered them with the cinnamon and sugar, the sweet scent filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the rice was cooked and fluffy, I spooned it into bowls and topped it with the warm apple mixture. The first bite was like a revelation. The flavors danced on my tongue, the sweet and spicy apples pairing perfectly with the nutty rice. It was a dish that was simple yet elegant, comforting yet sophisticated.

I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I would make again and again to share with family and friends. And so it did. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, adjusting the ratios of cinnamon and sugar, experimenting with different types of apples, and even adding a touch of vanilla for an extra layer of flavor.

But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought me back to that crisp autumn day when I first discovered it in my mother's old recipe book. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to evoke memories and emotions that had long been forgotten.

And so, whenever I make Brown Rice with Cinnamon Apple Topping, I do so with a sense of gratitude for the generations of cooks who came before me, passing down their knowledge and love of good food. It's a dish that's more than just a recipe - it's a piece of my family's history, a reminder of the simple joys that come from sharing a meal with loved ones.

So the next time you find yourself with a bag of fresh apples and a craving for something warm and comforting, give this recipe a try. I guarantee it will become a favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to the next generation, creating your own memories and traditions along the way.