Citrus Rice

Citrus Rice Recipe: A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from the USA

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

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Citrus rice is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the zesty taste of citrus fruits with the nuttiness of almonds and coconut. This dish is perfect for a light and summery meal, and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

History

Citrus rice has its origins in tropical regions where citrus fruits are abundant. The combination of citrus fruits with rice and nuts is a popular flavor profile in many cuisines around the world.

Ingredients

0.33 cup sliced almonds
1 tbsp butter or margarine
2 cup cooked rice
1 orange, peeled, sliced and quartered
0.33 cup toasted flaked coconut
0.5 tsp lemon peel
0.5 tsp orange peel
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground white pepper
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lime juice

How to prepare

In a large skillet, cook almonds in butter over medium-high heat until lightly browned.
Add rice, orange, coconut, lemon peel, orange peel, salt, pepper, orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Stir until thoroughly heated.

Variations

Add diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist.
Substitute quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.
Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to toast the almonds and coconut before adding them to the rice for a deeper flavor.

- Use fresh citrus juice for the best taste.

- Adjust the amount of citrus juice to your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve citrus rice as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the almonds and coconut adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Stirring the rice constantly ensures that it heats evenly and absorbs the citrus flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine.

- Use lime zest instead of lemon zest.

Make Ahead Tips

Citrus rice can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish citrus rice with fresh herbs or citrus slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair citrus rice with a crisp white wine or a fruity cocktail for a refreshing meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover citrus rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

220

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 30g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 5g

Fats

- Total Fat: 8g

- Saturated Fat: 3g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Vitamin A: 2% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains almonds and coconut.

Summary

Citrus rice is a low-calorie dish that is high in carbohydrates and healthy fats. It is also a good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Summary

Citrus rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and summery meal. With the zesty taste of citrus fruits, the nuttiness of almonds and coconut, and the fluffy texture of rice, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Citrus Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the vibrant farmer's market in town. As I wandered through the colorful stalls, my eyes were drawn to a display of ripe citrus fruits. The bright oranges and lemons seemed to glow in the sunlight, and I couldn't resist picking up a few of each.

As I continued my walk, I came across a small stand run by an elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye and a welcoming smile. She was selling a variety of homemade jams and preserves, and I couldn't help but strike up a conversation with her. We talked about the different fruits she used in her recipes and how she preserved them for the winter months.

It was then that she mentioned a special recipe for Citrus Rice that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. She spoke of the fragrant aroma of the citrus zest and the tangy flavor it added to the fluffy grains of rice. My mouth watered just thinking about it, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

The kind woman was more than happy to share her recipe with me, and she patiently walked me through each step. It was a simple dish, but one that required precision and care to truly bring out the flavors of the citrus fruits. I watched as she grated the zest of the oranges and lemons, carefully avoiding the bitter white pith. She squeezed the juice into a bowl and added a sprinkle of sugar to balance out the acidity.

Next, she showed me how to cook the rice to perfection – fluffy and light, with each grain separate and tender. She added the citrus zest and juice to the rice as it cooked, allowing the flavors to meld together and infuse every bite with a burst of freshness. The aroma that wafted from the pot was intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon a truly special recipe.

I thanked the woman profusely for her generosity and promised to share the recipe with my own family. As I walked home with a bag of fresh citrus fruits in hand, I couldn't wait to recreate the dish in my own kitchen. That evening, I gathered the ingredients and set to work, following the instructions I had been given with care and attention.

The result was even better than I had imagined. The Citrus Rice was a symphony of flavors – the tangy citrus zest cutting through the richness of the rice, with a hint of sweetness from the sugar. Each bite was a burst of sunshine on my taste buds, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

I shared the dish with my family that evening, and their faces lit up with delight as they tasted the unique combination of flavors. They couldn't believe that such a simple dish could be so delicious, and they begged me to make it again soon. I knew that I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe, one that would bring joy and warmth to the hearts of those I loved.

As the years passed, I continued to make the Citrus Rice for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a beloved tradition in our household, a dish that was synonymous with love and comfort. Whenever I cooked it, I would think back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market, and the kind woman who had shared her recipe with me.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of fragrant Citrus Rice on the stove, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this wonderful recipe. It's a reminder that sometimes the best things in life come when we least expect them, and that a simple dish can hold the power to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will learn to make this Citrus Rice from me, and that they will pass it down through the generations, just as I have. For now, I will continue to cook this dish with love and care, savoring each bite and the memories it brings with it. And who knows – perhaps one day, I'll have the opportunity to share this recipe with a stranger at the farmer's market, just as it was shared with me all those years ago.