Citrus Curry Rice Salad

Citrus Curry Rice Salad Recipe - Vegetarian Jamaican Food

Region / culture: Jamaica | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of mandarin oranges with the savory flavors of curry and tarragon. It's a perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or a light lunch on a hot day.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional rice salads, incorporating citrus fruits and exotic spices to create a unique and delicious dish. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad make it a standout dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

1 can mandarin oranges (10 oz (283 g))
1 cup water
0.25 cup raisins
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp dried tarragon
1.5 cup instant brown rice
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
0.25 cup sliced celery
0.25 cup sliced green onion
0.25 cup chopped pecans (can be toasted)
0.25 cup plain non-fat yoghurt

How to prepare

Drain the oranges, reserving the juice.
In a saucepan, mix the reserved juice, water, raisins, and spices. Bring to a boil.
Stir in the rice and return to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Spread the mixture in a shallow pan and freeze for 10 minutes to quickly cool the rice.
Toss the mixture with the remaining ingredients.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the brown rice for a different texture.
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the mandarin oranges well to remove excess liquid before adding them to the salad.

- To enhance the flavor of the pecans, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.

- For a creamier texture, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the plain non-yogurt in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to the package instructions to ensure it is tender and fluffy.

- To quickly cool the rice, spread it out in a shallow pan and place it in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute dried cranberries or apricots for the raisins.

- Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain non-yogurt for a creamier texture.

Make Ahead Tips

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss the salad well before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Citrus Curry Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad contains approximately 250 calories per serving. This makes it a light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 30 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

This salad is a moderate source of fats, with approximately 8 grams per serving. The fats in this dish come primarily from the pecans and the small amount of oil used in the dressing. Fats are important for overall health and help the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

This salad is a low source of protein, with approximately 2 grams per serving. To increase the protein content, you can add grilled chicken or tofu to the salad.

Vitamins and minerals

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the mandarin oranges and various nutrients from the vegetables and nuts. These essential nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (yogurt), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies. Be sure to check for any other allergens in the ingredients before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, this Citrus Curry Rice Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. It is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals, making it a well-rounded option for any occasion.

Summary

This Citrus Curry Rice Salad is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal or a light lunch. With its combination of sweet mandarin oranges, savory curry, and crunchy pecans, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Citrus Curry Rice Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret, who had recently returned from a trip to India. As we sat in her kitchen sipping on chai tea, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook that she had picked up at a market in Mumbai.

"This recipe is one of my favorites from my time in India," Margaret said with a smile as she flipped through the yellowed pages of the cookbook. "It's a citrus curry rice salad that is bursting with flavor and color. I think you'll love it."

I watched intently as Margaret gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the salad. She explained each step to me in detail, and I could see the passion and love she had for this dish shining through in her eyes. The aroma of the curry spices filled the kitchen, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy the salad together, I took my first bite and was instantly transported to the bustling streets of Mumbai. The citrusy tang of the oranges combined with the warm spices of the curry created a symphony of flavors in my mouth. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the years, I have made this Citrus Curry Rice Salad countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who all rave about its unique and delicious flavor. And now, I am excited to pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, so that you can enjoy the magic of this dish as well.

To make Citrus Curry Rice Salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup of basmati rice

- 2 cups of water

- 1 orange, peeled and segmented

- 1/2 cup of golden raisins

- 1/4 cup of slivered almonds

- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint

- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

- 1/4 cup of olive oil

- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon of curry powder

- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric

- Salt and pepper to taste

To begin, rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool to room temperature.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, orange segments, golden raisins, slivered almonds, mint, and cilantro. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss gently to combine.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this Citrus Curry Rice Salad as much as I do, my dear grandchild. May it bring you joy and fond memories of our time together in the kitchen. Bon appétit!