Cherry Rice Pilaf
Cherry Rice Pilaf Recipe | USA | Onion, celery, dried cherries, walnuts, thyme, marjoram, black pepper, rice
Introduction
Cherry Rice Pilaf is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of dried cherries with the crunch of California walnuts. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or as a side dish for a weeknight meal.
History
The origins of Cherry Rice Pilaf are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Middle Eastern roots. Pilaf, also known as pilau or pilaf, is a dish in which rice is cooked in a seasoned broth. The addition of cherries and walnuts adds a unique twist to this traditional dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 0.5 cup of dried cherries
- 0.5 cup of chopped California walnuts
- 1 tbsp of chopped fresh thyme*
- 1 tbsp of chopped fresh marjoram*
- 0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp of butter or margarine
- 3 cups of cooked rice
How to prepare
- In a large non-stick skillet, cook the onion, celery, cherries, walnuts, thyme, marjoram, and pepper in butter over medium heat for 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the rice and cook until it is thoroughly heated.
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use different dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots.
- Substitute almonds or pecans for the walnuts.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the dish will enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Rice Pilaf can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with lamb or pork dishes.
Cooking Techniques
Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cook the vegetables over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Stir the rice frequently to ensure even heating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
- Substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if needed.
- Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
Make Ahead Tips
Cherry Rice Pilaf can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Cherry Rice Pilaf with fresh herbs or additional chopped walnuts for a decorative touch. Serve it in a colorful dish for a visually appealing presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Cherry Rice Pilaf pairs well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options. It also complements salads and soups.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of Cherry Rice Pilaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
A serving of Cherry Rice Pilaf contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dish.
Carbohydrates
Cherry Rice Pilaf is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the rice and dried cherries. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body.
Fats
The walnuts in Cherry Rice Pilaf provide healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Fats are essential for overall health and help the body absorb certain vitamins.
Proteins
While Cherry Rice Pilaf is not a high-protein dish, the walnuts do provide some protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Vitamins and minerals
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while walnuts provide vitamin E and minerals such as magnesium and copper. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.
Alergens
This recipe contains walnuts, which are a common allergen. Be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving this dish.
Summary
Cherry Rice Pilaf is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a flavorful and satisfying option for a meal or side dish.
Summary
Cherry Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of dried cherries with the crunch of walnuts. This dish is easy to make and can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a delicious and satisfying meal.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was nestled in an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother, passed down through generations of women in my family. The pages were yellowed and fragile, but the words jumped out at me, enticing me with promises of a delicious and unique dish: Cherry Rice Pilaf.
I had never heard of such a thing before, but as I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could almost taste the sweet and savory flavors mingling together in my mouth. I knew I had to try it for myself, to see if this recipe lived up to its mouth-watering description.
I set to work gathering all the necessary ingredients, carefully measuring out each one as I went along. The recipe called for a mix of basmati rice, dried cherries, slivered almonds, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and cardamom. It was a combination that seemed both exotic and comforting, a perfect balance of flavors that promised to transport me to far-off lands with each bite.
As I cooked, the scents of the spices filled my kitchen, wrapping me in a warm and comforting embrace. I could almost hear the laughter of generations past, their voices whispering to me as I stirred the pot and watched the rice expand and soften. It was a feeling of connection, of being part of something larger than myself, a link in a chain of women who had passed down this recipe from mother to daughter for centuries.
Finally, the dish was ready, the rice fluffy and fragrant, studded with plump cherries and crunchy almonds. I spooned it onto a plate, garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice. With a sense of anticipation, I took my first bite, closing my eyes to savor the flavors that danced across my taste buds.
And oh, what flavors they were! The sweetness of the cherries mingled with the earthy spices, creating a symphony of taste that left me breathless. Each mouthful was a revelation, a journey through time and space that brought me closer to my ancestors and the traditions they had held dear.
As I savored the last bite of Cherry Rice Pilaf, I felt a sense of gratitude wash over me. Gratitude for my grandmother, who had passed down this recipe to me with such care and love. Gratitude for the women who had come before me, whose hands had shaped this dish into what it was today. And gratitude for the simple joys of cooking, of creating something delicious and nourishing to share with those I loved.
In that moment, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of where I had come from and the traditions that had shaped me. And as I closed the old cookbook, its pages now stained with memories of a meal well enjoyed, I whispered a silent thank you to all those who had come before me, guiding me on this culinary journey through time.
Categories
| American Recipes | Dried Cherry Recipes | Marjoram Recipes | Pilaf Recipes | Rice Recipes | Side Dish Rice Recipes | Thyme Recipes | Walnut Recipes |